Boxing for Better Futures | Calgary News

The federal government is pouring $2.2 million into Empire Fighting Chance, a groundbreaking program using non-contact boxing and martial arts to transform at-risk youth—pairing them with mentors and mental health support to build discipline, confidence, and healthier futures. Inspired by Justice Minister Sean Fraser’s own childhood experience, the initiative aims to steer young people away from trouble and toward positive paths, with teens like 15-year-old Phi already thriving—learning conflict avoidance, excelling in school, and even eyeing a career in physical therapy. Launched as a pilot, it’s now scaling up thanks to its proven impact, especially through REACH Edmonton’s “barrier-free” approach that makes gyms more welcoming than counseling offices for vulnerable kids. With cross-agency collaboration, the program tackles mental health, emotional regulation, and self-discipline head-on, offering a safe, empowering space where young lives are being reshaped—one punch, one lesson, one future at a time. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/16ea4e1518f24404