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.

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“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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