FIGHTING FOR OUR LIVES
Donation protected
The story began many years ago. Tony Mowers was an athlete his entire life and excelled in and loved every sport that he played. He began coaching at age 18 for a nearby high school and found his calling. His coaching career continued throughout his adult life as he volunteered in helping various sporting programs throughout his community.
In 2012, Tony decided to open his own gym. He began upgrading the front half of a steel building during his off time using 95% recycled and discarded materials. Tony opened the gym, NorCal Speed Inc. and continued to work full time and train athletes during evenings and weekends. His focus at the time was on improving speed and agility and he worked with athletes from a variety of sports. Training those with a large range of backgrounds and abilities fulfilled Tony’s calling to coach and allowed him to help others grow and become stronger, more healthy people.
Ironically, in 2013, Tony was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and is plagued with chronic pain. He has learned to channel that pain to fight through and remain active and involved so he doesn’t give into the disease. After a full day at work, he opens the gym and is on his feet, side by side with the athletes encouraging them to remain vigilant in their efforts.Some days, Tony is in too much pain to participate fully but he is always there engaged and supportive. Tony has always been and will continue to be a fighter and in some ways, the gym is saving Tony’s life as well as others.
In 2015, Tony embraced the sport of boxing and shifted his focus to the dozens of at-risk youth in our community who had no place to go after school. He changed the name of the gym to NorCal Speed Boxing, Inc. and the dream continued.He constantly talks about discipline in the class room as well as at the gym and children representing every junior high and high school in the city attend regularly. They all get along well and help each other while at the gym, despite their differences at school or at home.Many of the athletes have gone on to compete in amateur events and all continue to work cohesively as a community. There are two pro fighters that regularly work out at the gym and they are outstanding role models and mentors to these young people. Tony continues to leverage the talent of others to help in his cause.
In 2019, there is an opportunity to double the size of the gym beginning April 1. The tenant occupying the back half of the building is leaving and Tony wants to take over that space and expand. In order to do that, he needs funds to cover these costs. He will continue to use recycled and used building materials when possible but needs more equipment to fill up the extra space. Tony also plans to build a classroom so kids can do homework before or after their workout. He has spoken to several educators nearby and many have already offered to volunteer their time to help tutor.
NorCal Speed Boxing, Inc.is non-profit organization and earnings don’t cover the costs. Approximately 60% of our athletes can pay the monthly fee of $60 (Ages 8-13), $ 70 (Ages 14-17) or $80 (Age 18+) but no athlete has been turned away because they couldn’t afford to pay. There is a constant need to replace old equipment and maintain the gym. There is also now an immediate need so the expansion can begin in April. Our athletes will greatly benefit from your generosity and support. Thank you in advance for your help.
In 2012, Tony decided to open his own gym. He began upgrading the front half of a steel building during his off time using 95% recycled and discarded materials. Tony opened the gym, NorCal Speed Inc. and continued to work full time and train athletes during evenings and weekends. His focus at the time was on improving speed and agility and he worked with athletes from a variety of sports. Training those with a large range of backgrounds and abilities fulfilled Tony’s calling to coach and allowed him to help others grow and become stronger, more healthy people.
Ironically, in 2013, Tony was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and is plagued with chronic pain. He has learned to channel that pain to fight through and remain active and involved so he doesn’t give into the disease. After a full day at work, he opens the gym and is on his feet, side by side with the athletes encouraging them to remain vigilant in their efforts.Some days, Tony is in too much pain to participate fully but he is always there engaged and supportive. Tony has always been and will continue to be a fighter and in some ways, the gym is saving Tony’s life as well as others.
In 2015, Tony embraced the sport of boxing and shifted his focus to the dozens of at-risk youth in our community who had no place to go after school. He changed the name of the gym to NorCal Speed Boxing, Inc. and the dream continued.He constantly talks about discipline in the class room as well as at the gym and children representing every junior high and high school in the city attend regularly. They all get along well and help each other while at the gym, despite their differences at school or at home.Many of the athletes have gone on to compete in amateur events and all continue to work cohesively as a community. There are two pro fighters that regularly work out at the gym and they are outstanding role models and mentors to these young people. Tony continues to leverage the talent of others to help in his cause.
In 2019, there is an opportunity to double the size of the gym beginning April 1. The tenant occupying the back half of the building is leaving and Tony wants to take over that space and expand. In order to do that, he needs funds to cover these costs. He will continue to use recycled and used building materials when possible but needs more equipment to fill up the extra space. Tony also plans to build a classroom so kids can do homework before or after their workout. He has spoken to several educators nearby and many have already offered to volunteer their time to help tutor.
NorCal Speed Boxing, Inc.is non-profit organization and earnings don’t cover the costs. Approximately 60% of our athletes can pay the monthly fee of $60 (Ages 8-13), $ 70 (Ages 14-17) or $80 (Age 18+) but no athlete has been turned away because they couldn’t afford to pay. There is a constant need to replace old equipment and maintain the gym. There is also now an immediate need so the expansion can begin in April. Our athletes will greatly benefit from your generosity and support. Thank you in advance for your help.
Organiser
Tony Mowers
Organiser
Petaluma, CA