Golden Gloves Returns To Bronx For Archimedes Academy Fundraiser

Archimedes Academy - boxing in the Bronx.

The Golden Gloves Tournament will be making a stop in the South Bronx in a return visit to the Archimedes Academy as part of a fundraiser benefiting the school’s Amateur Boxing Program where boxing author John E. Oden will be honored for his work with the Archimedes Boxing Program.

In addition to the evening’s fight card, the event, on February 4, 2010 at 7:00 pm, includes a reception and appearance by legendary boxing historian Bert Sugar.

Several limited hardcover versions of John latest book will be signed by the author and Bert Sugar, who wrote the book’s introduction, and will be available for purchase for $50. 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Archimedes Academy. Life in the Ring: Lessons and Inspiration from the Sport of Boxing showcases the stories of 15 well-known fighters, like Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. The book makes the case that boxing, with its lone fighter placed squarely in the ring with little to defend him, is a potent metaphor for life. The general admission donation for the event is $25. VIP dinner seating is available with advance reservations.

As a proponent of boxing, John has long advocated for wider participation in the sport by students across the country. He has been instrumental in the evolution of the boxing program at Archimedes.

“Boxing is a metaphor for life. The lessons taught in the ring, the obstacles that breed heart, character and determination apply to the classroom,” said Mr. Oden. “In Life in the Ring, for example, students can draw inspiration from stories about famous fighters, who accomplished over adversity. Boxing certainly has a place in school.”

Archimedes has partnered with New York City Public School System to implement amateur boxing as a component of the sports education curriculum in three schools in the Bronx. New York City Public Schools have the only academic based boxing program in the nation at the middle or high school level. A rigorous syllabus is incorporated into physical education boxing classes that are mandated for all sixth grade students in addition to the after-school component where all grades (6-12) are eligible to participate.

Often opposed by critics as too violent to be an extra curricular activity, the students from the Archimedes Academy are proof of the sportsmanship, camaraderie and dedication inherent in boxing. The program, now entering its 10th year, has shown measurable success since its inception. Among the benefits, Matt Ruggero, the Director of the Boxing Program and School Social Worker with a degree from Columbia University, reports a 23 percent reduction in aggressive incidents among student participants with 84 percent of students enrolled in the program exhibiting greater self confidence. Overall classroom instructor reports indicate those enrolled in the program are more attentive in class and are more receptive to learning.

“The New York City Public School Boxing program has been in operation for over a decade providing a healthy, safe sports program and positive environment for children,” said Mr. Ruggero. “Youth boxing teaches discipline, self-confidence and focus.”

The Golden Glove card on Thursday February 4 is one of several events being held at Archimedes. On Saturday, January 30, 2010, in the school’s newly re-furbished boxing gym will be dedicated in honor of John E. Oden, the corporate co-chair of the Archimedes program.

About John E. Oden

John E. Oden is a principal and eighteen-year veteran of a global money management and research firm, as well as an author and avid boxing fan. His first book, White Collar Boxing, was first published in 2005. As a white collar boxer himself, Mr. Oden competed in 20 fights over thirteen years from 1992-2004, including three fights in London. As a strong supporter of the sport of boxing, he was instrumental in starting the first-ever boxing program in the public school system of New York City. He also sits on a number of non-profit boards and investment committees. Born in Pecos, Texas, he graduated from the University of Texas and now lives in New York City. Boxing handle: The Pecos Kid.

About the Archimedes Academy

The Archimedes Academy is a comprehensive grade 6-12 public school whose mission is to provide a rigorous, innovative, college preparatory education focused on math, science, and technology applications while regularly celebrating the accomplishments of its diverse student body and culminating in a Regents diploma and up to 24 college credits. The school’s Amateur Boxing Program was introduced under the direction of School Social Worker Matt Ruggero. In 2010, the program is celebrating its 10 year anniversary.