Newsletter: Summer Throwback

The weather has taken a turn, so let's take a moment to reminisce about the summer! It’s been a jam-packed year at Pan Am, so summer was a welcome chance for the club to slow down just a little. But make no mistake, our team, members, and community still kept things buzzing with events, training, and big accomplishments! 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Small Fists at Summer Saturdays Kids Class!

Kids & Youth Summer Programs This summer we experimented with new youth options led by Jesse Jordan:  Kids Class (ages 6–9): Every Saturday at 12:30 pm (starting in July)  Pop-Up Events:  July 27 – Tots Class (ages 3–5), a fun intro to physical literacy. Tiny tots took over the club and had a great time playing games and trying the basics!  Aug 13 & 20 – CKUW Radio Camp, where kids got to interview Pan Am staff!

 Intermediate Program (July - August)

Our 3-week, small-group skill camp filled instantly. Dylan and Ally coached athletes through advanced techniques, and participants improved tremendously in a short time.

Meg takes a selfie with other participants of the BSP

Beginner Sparring Program August saw another strong turnout with 17 participants, including 7 women—a huge step toward strengthening Pan Am’s women’s fight team, already one of the strongest in Western Canada.

PAN AM IN THE COMMUNITY

St. Raphael Wellness Centre – Aug 5 

We hosted a women’s empowerment boxing group for a day of fun and fitness. The participants started out with nervous excitement, and soon found their groove learning the fundamentals of boxing while working up a great sweat!

Filipino Street Festival

Thanks to longtime volunteer Gio, Pan Am had a booth at the festival! It was two full days of connecting with Winnipeg’s Filipino community and sharing info about our free youth programs.

FIGHT TEAM HIGHLIGHTS

Coach Margie corners Taina Santos while Kat seconds in Toronto

June 21-22 - Women Reign 4 Coach Margie, Kat and Taina stepped into the ring in Toronto for a 2-day women's only boxing event! Two days of high-level competition against Canada's top talent. It was a great developmental opportunity for all of them before Nationals kicks off here in Winnipeg.

July 11 - Fight Team Tryouts

Ten boxers came out to test themselves at tryouts. The skill level was impressive, but only a few spots were open. Congratulations to the newest additions to our Development Team! Keep an eye out for the next tryouts if you’re interested in joining.

The Pan Am squad in Peguis First Nation

July 19 - Peguis Fight Card During Peguis Treaty Days celebrations, our boxers made up nearly three-quarters of the card. The sound of combos catching filled the arena, and our athletes represented Pan Am with heart.

Nearly half of the Interclub Sparring participants pose for a group photo at Pan Am

July 26 - Interclub Sparring Pan Am hosted a massive inter-club sparring event with 50+ athletes from almost every club in Manitoba plus two from Ontario. With three rings running and the gym floor full, it was three hours of non-stop action. Huge thanks to Boxing Manitoba for letting us host!

Nick Goudie faces opponent in Minneapolis

Aug 24 - Minneapolis Bouts We went south to test new waters! A tough outing with only one win out of four bouts, but valuable experience and lessons were gained for the whole team.

Victor gets locks in before a bout

National Team Athlete Update Brandenburg Cup & Camp – July 16 to Aug 3  Victor Cheung traveled with Team Canada to Germany for 12 days of training and 5 days of competition against the world’s best. Although eliminated early by a tough Italian opponent, Victor gained priceless experience and got the opportunity for two more international test matches.

Priyanka poses with England boxer while at World Championship Training Camp

Aug 19 - Sept 2 - Sheffield International Camp After a 2-week Montreal camp, Priyanka Dhillon travelled with Team Canada to Sheffield, England for the World Championships Training camp. Canada attended with 15 other countries. Giving the team the experience they need. Pri specifically sparred Olympians, world champions, and future medalists, holding her own every step of the way.  Head Coach Dylan also attended as part of Team Canada’s coaching staff, working alongside the Team Canada Head Coaches Vince and Samir. He returned home with new knowledge and insight to share with our club and fighters.

What's Next for Team Pan Am... Our competitive season kicked off September 2 with fights nearly every weekend leading into the Provincial Championships Oct 18-19. Day 1 were hosted at Power Boxing, and Day 2 right here at Pan Am Boxing. Stay tuned for the highlights!

It may have been a “slower” summer, but Pan Am Boxing Club never really stops. From international camps to kids programs, from community festivals to fight team battles, our club continues to grow stronger—inside the ring and out. Here’s to an exciting fall season ahead.

See you in the gym,

- The Pan Am Boxing Club Team