Klitschko a Winner Already!
Gives $500,000 to Global Charity That Benefits At-Risk Children
IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will attempt to unify the heavyweight division when he takes on WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov at Madison Square Garden tonight but he is a winner already in the eyes of thousands of at-risk children thanks to a $500,000 donation to The Laureus Sport For Good Foundation.
The Betances Boxing Program in the Bronx will begin receiving financial support from The Laureus Sport For Good Foundation that will help the program expand. Children aged 8 and up living around the Betances Houses have been learning to box at the program for 12 years - but that's not all. The program acts as a safe haven and provides children life skills, values workshops and academic support along with boxing skills. It provides a positive atmosphere for kids trying to escape issues ranging from substance abuse, absentee parents, and domestic violence to the general dangers of the streets.The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation was set up to fund and promote the use of sport as a tool for social change and currently supports 51 other programs around the world. Betances becomes the 52nd player in Laureus' roster of programs around the world that address social issues through the common language of sports – and the fifth in the USA.
Klischko's half-million dollar commitment could grow larger come this spring. The first $350,000 has come from money he generated by asking his fans to donate to Laureus in his name. In exchange, he will enter the ring Saturday night in a robe with their names emblazoned on the garment. Over 3,000 people responded - more than anticipated- so Klitschko increased his initial gift guarantee from $250,000 to $350,000. Then in April, his boxing robe will be auctioned off with those proceeds also going to Laureus. The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Klitschko camp already have a $150,000 sealed offer for the robe so the final donation could exceed $500,000.