September 18, 2009

Charlotte, NC--  Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department invites the public, especially teenagers, to the “Gang with Us Fest” on Saturday, October 10, 2009, 11am-2pm at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 West Sugar Creek Road. This event will provide information on various programs and activities offered as alternatives to joining a gang. 

Gang with Us Fest is sponsored by several agencies and operates with a grant from Charlotte- Mecklenburg Police Department’s Gang of One initiative.  Other partners include:

• Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
• CMS-Parent University
• CMS-Idlewild Elementary School
• Girl Scouts Hornets Nest Council
• McClintock Partners in Education (McPie)
• Mi Casa Su Casa
• Partners in Out of School Time
• Park and Recreation/Charlotte Boxing Academy

Admission is FREE. The event will also collect donations of winter clothing and non-perishable food for the needy in Charlotte.

Gang with Us Fest is a preliminary to the 2009 Queen City Amateur Boxing Invitation Tournament, which starts at 5pm at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center.  Charlotte Boxing Academy is a major participant in offering young people alternative activity to gangs. “We offer a different perspective on ‘fighting,’’ says Park and Recreation’s chief boxing coach, Al Simpson. “Sports and conditioning, both mental and physical conditioning, offer young people a different philosophy. Boxing is way to channel them into a healthy and positive activity that may be attractive to gang members or potential members.”

For more information on Gang with Us Fest or Charlotte Boxing Academy, contact Coach Al Simpson: 704 241-0314.