Suburban non-profit builds confidence for Muslim youth through boxing

PARK CITY, Ill. — A training program in Lake County is building an inclusive space where people from all walks of life can learn the benefits of boxing.

A Muslim youth group from Islamic Foundation North in Libertyville is taking a self-defense class to build confidence and skill in the power of boxing.

Jana Abdelrahman, a Junior at Libertyville High School, says getting in the ring is one way to box out the misconceptions while also building strength.

“There’s this very shared misconception that we are oppressed and that our religion teaches us to oppress women which is a major misconception,” Abdelrahman said.

Angel Lopez started the academy after seeing how his son benefitted from boxing after being bullied.

“We tried to find what would be a good outlet for him to give him good discipline. Confidence,” Lopez said.

Angel’s Boxin Academy is a non-profit that offers classes and a variety of programs for young people and diverse communities.

“It doesn’t matter what color you are it doesn’t matter what religion — no doors should be closed to anybody,” Lopez said.

For more information, visit: https://angelsboxingacademy.org/

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