Paul
Cichon, 44, grew up on the “wrong side of the tracks”
in Holyoke, MA. Yet, he is well-respected by many youngsters.
The reason: he is the director
of the Police Athletic League (PAL) boxing program in Manchester,
CT.
Paul is a tough taskmaster but extremely fair with the kids.
He has had a tremendous influence on them, inside and outside
the ring. Many of the kids have shown a dramatic change in school
and now have goals due to Paul’s influence and encouragement.
Paul’s job as director is strictly volunteer and he takes
it very seriously. He spends many
hours during the week at the
gym and many weekends at boxing matches with his boxers, paying
many expenses out of his own pocket.
Paul has been working many years for the Public Works Department
in the Town of East Hartford as a heavy equipment operator. He
has given up many opportunities to work overtime for the department
due to his dedication to the PAL boxing program. But to Paul it
is well worth it.
He is a man who wants to give something back to the community
and luckily, the youngsters in the boxing program are reaping
the benefits.
|
