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Willard Police Athletic League Holds Early Lead in Grant Competition Pledges

Willard PAL

The Willard Police Department wants your help in its pursuit of a $2,500 youth sportsmanship grant to support its boxing team.

The Willard Police Athletic League (PAL) is a non-profit organization using boxing to teach youth good character, work ethic, responsibility, and good sportsmanship.

“It’s beneficial on a variety of levels in that it provides a kid not only a great safe environment to work out and to learn the fundamentals of the sweet science of boxing and jujitsu, but also they are mentored by some fine police officers that are committed to helping kids,” explains Willard Police Chief Tom McClain.  

Voted on by the public, Willard’s PAL initiative held the number one position among small division programs as of Monday morning. Unlike other grants the league has secured in the past, the Play Positive Sportsmanship grant is not a written application; it’s a competition.

“We’re excited about the Play Positive grant opportunity because it’s completely different from any other grant I’ve ever pursued in my entire 28 year career,” says Chief McClain.   

On Friday, professional boxer and Willard native B.J. Flores and his father and trainer, Frank Flores, spoke about the pursuit of the grant and its impact on the PAL program during a press conference.

“They helped significantly, I think, just by lending their name to the group,” says  McClain.

Now in its sixth year, The Willard PAL has graduated over 300 youth.

Supporters have until October 15 to pledge their support. For more information about the Play Positive grant and to view the leaderboard, visit https://www.playpositive.com/pledge/.