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Health & Fitness

Olympic Bound

It is truly amazing to watch a skilled young athlete hone his craft. Each night at Manchester Ring of Champions Society Mykquan "Mikey" Williams runs farther, trains harder and listens closer to his coach, Paul Cichon. Cichon our coach/founder has had a long career in the boxing world he knows talent when he sees it. He says Mikey is special. But for those of us who don't have that keen eye of a professional coach can see it too. Many times I have seen visitors to the club stop in their tracks when Mikey gets in the ring to spar. They stare in amazement of his speed and skill. "Thwack, Thwack, Thwack" of the gloves. Then "Wow!!!" from the crowd. At 15 Mikey has an impressive resume; 3 World Championship belts, 2 National titles. He has been recognized by the Town of Manchester several times and last fall Governor Dannel Malloy recognized him with a Proclamation. Last month Mikey won the regional Junior Olympic title for his weight class. He now goes to Mobile Alabama for the National Junior Olympic team. Making the team Mikey will represent the United States in countries all over the world. A great honor for him but also for all of us. Cheering on one of our own is an exciting prospect. Besides being a great athlete Mikey is a great kid. Despite challenges of growing up without a father. Marvin Williams was killed in gang violence when Mikey was barely a month old. His mom Wanda has worked hard to raise him and his siblings. Mikey does well in school and helps out younger kids at the club. In him they see a hero from their own neighborhood. A shining star who shines for all of them. Manchester ROCS needs to raise $2,500. to send Mikey to Mobile, Alabama on June 25th. Once he makes the Olympic team the Olympic committee pays for further travel. Please consider helping. You can make a tax deductable donation to Manchester ROCS, 52 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06042. For more information contact Kate Nicholas at 860-712-2616. We are also having a fundraiser at Landmark Cafe on June 17th 4pm- 9:30. Landmark is donating 10% of food sales to the trip. Thank you all.

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