CAPE MAY — Police Chief Dekon Fashaw has helped facilitate an evening of amateur boxing to bring youth and law enforcement officers together.
No Limits Academy, in partnership with the Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association and Fashaw, is hosting a Gloves Up for the Blue event at 4 p.m. on June 6 at Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave.
“This is a new event spun off Pints and Punches with MudHen Brewing Company,” said Fashaw, president of the county Chiefs of Police Association. “Gloves up for the Blue came up as a way to give back to [officers] for an evening of fun and promote positive law enforcement interactions with kids and the community.”
The event will feature amateur boxing bouts, a bounce house, games and activities for children, music and entertainment, face painting, food and more.
No Limits Academy (NLA) is a Rio Grande-based development center that is free for children and young adults ages 7 to 19. The organization develops youth personally, professionally and spiritually through boxing, mentorship and structure.
More than just a boxing gym, NLA serves more than 500 youths annually, with a focus on at-risk and local youth in Cape May County.
It serves meals five nights a week, and Fashaw noted that local businesses contribute to the food train and help feed 80 to 130 children each night. The academy even provides free transportation for youth in designated areas.
The organization brings police officers out to engage with youth, work out with them and other activities. Fashaw said each police department has been involved with NLA for quite a while.
“It’s a great event and I’m very proud to be a part of No Limits Academy and we’re really proud of the kids for being a part of the program,” Fashaw said. “They work very closely with the Cape May County Chiefs of Police.”
“We take every kid available, bring them in and interact with them,” Fashaw said. “Not only at-risk kids, but all risk kids. None of our children pays to come to No Limits Academy.”
The free-admission event honors local law enforcement and sends them best wishes before the summer season.
“[It’s] basically a thank you to all the law enforcement officers in Cape May County and showcase what No Limits Academy is all about,” Fashaw said. “And what the Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association is about, what we do and how strong we are.”
Fashaw added that the local Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA Local 59) will have a table tat the event, and the police department will be recruiting there.
“[The event is] open to the community to showcase our connection with law enforcement and No Limits Academy,” Fashaw said. “We have sponsors who have helped out.”
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
