The Westbury Boxing Club was recently the site of Long Island's first Day of Sparring and Character Training. More than 200 youth spent the day learning both the finer points of boxing and the art of good character.

It all began when coaches from around Long Island got together at the request of District Attorney Denis Dillon. The effort is part of Dillon's Rising Star program, which works to prevent crime by mentoring young people, teaching them the natural virtues of temperance, justice, prudence, and fortitude. "With the right coaching, boxing can be a terrific way to teach young people the virtues and help fortify them for the challenges that lie ahead in their lives," Dillon said. "It can also offer the kinds of physical challenges and sense of belonging that might make it, for some youngsters, an alternative to gang involvement."

The foundation of the strategy is character building and the Long Island coaches came with some practical ways to make it happen. One idea they came up with was the "Character and Sparring Day." Westbury Manager Sal Musemuci and the LI coaches hosted the event.

While two rings were busy with amateur sparring, in the auditorium young boxers and their families listened to speakers on character, sportsmanship, and substance abuse. Presenters included District Attorney Denis Dillon, USA Boxing Metro President Johnny Woleuwich, police officers, and Referee John Signorile. Prizes were donated by Everlast while food and drink were supplied by Coca Cola.

Several local celebrity fighters helped out including former heavyweight contender Renaldo Snipes, Hempstead's Erik Kirkland, Johnny Davis and the new gold medalists from New York State's Empire games, Hempstead's light heavyweight Aneuti Santos, and Suffolk's heavyweight champ Elfair McKnight.

"The work of the coaches is paying off with club membership expanding, bigger and better shows, and most of all, a spirit of virtue and character, Coach Musemuci said. "Boxing is great for the youth; it builds their confidence and discipline while giving them the tools to help them throughout life."