Garland, TX – The 2nd Annual Garland 9th Street Gym Project Showcase, themed “Developing The Future,” was held at the Curtis Culwell Center, drawing over 400 attendees for an evening dedicated to boxing and community support. The event highlighted the significant impact the gym has had on the lives of its participants. Each bout featured a gym boxer competing against opponents from the surrounding area, while inspiring stories were shared between bouts by former members.
The evening began with an enthusiastic introduction from the event’s MC, who energized the audience as he introduced the opening speakers and each boxing bout. Sheena Sharapata from Planet Ford 635 kicked off the showcase by highlighting the transformative impact of the Garland 9th Street Gym Project on the community. She expressed gratitude to the sponsors and urged others to contribute to help the gym. Following Sharapata, GISD Trustee Daphne Stanley took the stage to share how the gym has benefited the GISD community and reaffirmed the district’s ongoing support for the gym’s efforts to keep kids out of trouble.
The gym is well-known for its contributions to the community and for housing the largest number of members in the country. However, its current space is too small to host boxing events. Despite this limitation, the gym has already produced an Olympian who successfully advanced to the team trials.
Dave Swavey, co-founder of the 9th Street Gym, recounted the program’s origins, which began 30 years ago in response to rising concerns about gang activity in Garland. He remembered how, shortly after being assigned to the gang unit, he had encountered young people who would be crying within minutes of their arrests. He firmly believed these kids didn’t want to be involved in gangs; they were desperate for positive direction in their lives. Swavey shared how the gym played a role in changing the lives of young people and, through the years, exceeded expectations, with 72% of members now on the honor roll.
Before the bouts began, young singer Delilah captivated the audience with an a cappella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, impressing everyone with her talent and presence.
The boxing matches that followed featured a range of talented young athletes, each demonstrating their skills and determination in the ring:
- Bout 1: Juliana Gonzalez vs. Mariella Loyd – Gonzalez emerged victorious in a closely contested bout.
- Bout 2: Abriana Aviles vs. Alexis Proctor – Proctor secured the win with her quick moves and effective blocking.
- Bout 3: Enrique Pena vs. Damian Flores – Eight-year-old Pena dominated with speed and precision.
- Bout 4: Armando Reyes vs. Gianni Chavez – Reyes took the win in a fast-paced match.
- Bout 5: John Elizondo vs. Dylan Gonzalez – Elizondo claimed victory in another action-filled bout.
- Bout 6: Robert Reyes vs. Aden Frazier – Reyes emerged victorious in an exciting match.
- Bout 7: Marquis Johnson vs. Mitchell Rollins – Johnson continued the winning streak for Garland.
- Bout 8: Abdullah Sheikh vs. Eddie Salazar – Sheikh impressed with agility and skill, securing a win.
- Bout 9: Nathan Pena vs. Ethan Hawkinson – Despite having no prior experience, Pena faced Hawkinson, who showcased his skills and took the win.
- Bout 10: David Arroyo vs. Jorge Dominguez – Arroyo’s elite skills shone through as he aimed for the Olympics, winning the bout.
- Bout 11: Alex Espinoza vs. Jesus Torres – Espinoza, a former competitor in the USA National Championships, won decisively.
Leonardo Ramirez, a former program participant, shared how the gym provided him with a second family and helped him develop resilience and discipline as he worked toward earning his bachelor’s degree in biology to become a pediatric dentist.
Mary Jane recounted her journey from struggling with her identity to becoming a lead detention officer, crediting the gym for teaching her important life lessons. Stephanie spoke about her early experiences in the gym and her path to becoming a tutor, and Luis Morales shared his story of overcoming adversity through boxing.
As the event concluded, participants and supporters were reminded of the gym’s mission: to continue providing a safe space for youth and foster growth and development for generations to come.
