This Ties That Bind Us is sponsored by Matt The Carpet Guy.
HARBESON, Del. — Athletes at Five Points Boxing Club are putting in the work, but no one is keeping score. Down to Box is a nonprofit, non-contact boxing-based exercise program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Five Points Boxing Club is one of 18 locations nationwide that hosts the program.
Coach Peter Marconi said the workouts are designed to help athletes build coordination, strength and conditioning while also creating a sense of community.
“We try to focus on getting them coordination, strength, a little bit of conditioning, even self-defense aspect is in there, and the best part of all is the camaraderie,” Marconi said. “There’s absolutely no competition here. Everyone’s accepted. Everyone fits in.”
Down to Box gives people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a place to exercise, build boxing skills and connect with others. At Five Points Boxing Club, athletes gain confidence, strength and friendship without competition through the program.
The nonprofit started in 2018 and expanded to Sussex County in 2020. For athlete Brian Perry, the program also provides a boost of confidence.
“And I’m the best boxer. You will have to respect that,” Perry said.
Athlete Brad Rankin said having a place where people with disabilities can exercise together is an important part of the program. “It’s nice to have a community that does boxing for kids with disabilities,” Rankin said. “It’s a lot of fun to be here.”
Rankin said the exercise itself is just as important. “It’s very important, yes,” he said. “Come here, exercise and enjoy it.”
At Five Points, the program combines boxing-based exercise with friendship and community, giving athletes a place to work out together while building skills and confidence.
