Ginger Berlin's Oct. 19 letter mentioned potential budget cuts that she believed the city of Albany should consider making, including "eliminating programs such as the city's boxing program."

As a person who has continuously observed Albany's youth boxing program on Quail Street, I can tell you that eliminating it would be a mistake and a tremendous loss for children in the community. I have been working in the criminal justice field for the past 18 years and have been in the boxing industry for the past three years.

Through both my criminal justice and boxing background, I have seen the strong need for youth to engage in activities that foster a sense of commitment, dedication and hard work. Albany's boxing gym youth program has given the teens who participate all of those attributes. Under the leadership of Mayor Jennings, John D'Antonio and their boxing trainers, Vlad Koshnitsky and Jerrick Jones, most of the young boys and girls in the youth boxing program develop disciplined minds and bodies that will carry through into adulthood.

I have also observed some of the "old timers" who come back to the boxing gym as adults act as mentors to the young people in the program. They often discuss current events, community issues, and tips on how to become "a champ." Many of these successful "old timers" once participated in a youth boxing program as well and went on to become successful business people in the community, in large part because of this program.

In closing, the Albany Boxing gym is a "diamond in the rough" and safe haven that should not only continue but also should be expanded and replicated throughout the state. The recent after-school violence that took place in the city of Albany should perhaps be the biggest testimonial for the continued need to channel aggressive energy in a positive manner. The youth boxing program is a natural and productive way to do so.

Source:http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=743488&category=OPINION