By: Skip Sheffield
Boxing champ Steve Geffrard, 21, is volunteering this summer to teach his favorite sport to underprivileged and at-risk youth of our area.
Geffrard was born of Haitian parents in theUSAand grew up in one of the oldest but least-privileged parts ofBoca Raton: Pearl City. That’s where many of the kids of PROPEL (People Reaching Out to Provide Education and Leadership) call home.
Boxing became Geffrard’s ticket out of the ghetto. Starting at age 13 at the Police Athletic League (PAL) Geffrard honed his skills and won at the 2008 Junior Olympics and Platinum Gloves Championship. His honors include 2010 Golden Gloves National Champion, 2010 USA National Champion, 2010 PAL National Champion and 2010 USA Boxing Athlete of the Year.
Geffrard graduated fromSt.Andrew’s School in 2010 on full scholarship from the Police Athletic League and private donors. He is currently majoring in business atNovaSoutheasternUniversityinDavie. In his spare time he is giving back to the community that nurtured him. Geffrard is teaching boxing classes at the Boca Raton PAL under the auspices of PROPEL, a non-profit organization that benefits underprivileged and at risk youth.
“We have about 20 kids signed up,” Geffrard reports. “They really enjoy it and it gives them something to do in the summer. They are really working hard.”
Geffrard had hoped to box for theUSAat the 2012 London Olympics, but he fell ill and failed to make the cut. Now he intends to become a professional boxer.
“I’ve had a few good wins,’ says the soft-spoken young man. “I’ll keep it up as long as I keep winning. Boxing is a good way for these kids to learn discipline.”
Geffrard will continue offering lessons until the school year begins.
For more information, call PROPEL at 561-955-8553 or go to www.propelyourfurure.com.