Recognizing and honoring Rock Ministries on their Tenth Anniversary of providing a unique combination of sports and faith based programs for at-risk youth in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, In 2003, Buddy Osborn, a former Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion, formed Rock Ministries to train at-risk young people ages seven to twenty-two as a means to direct their energy away from crime and towards positive competition and self discipline; and

WHEREAS, Rock Ministries is located in the Kensington section of Philadelphia and began offering a unique combination of boxing training and bible study for young people with the belief that when kids connect with God their lives are changed; and

WHEREAS, Rock Ministries has evolved over time to include faith-based mentoring, computer classes, a homework club, chess club, art classes and music classes all at no cost to the participants; and

WHEREAS, Rock Ministries has provided their services to more than 4,500 at-risk young people in Philadelphia and average between 80 and 100 youth per day taking advantage of the variety of programs that they offer; and

WHEREAS, Of the young people who have gone through the program at Rock Ministries, 15 have become Golden Gloves Champions and three have become Amateur World Champions; and

WHEREAS, Through his love of boxing, strong belief in God and tireless dedication to at-risk youth, Buddy Osborn has impacted and transformed the lives of thousands of young people who may have otherwise been destined for lives of crime and incarceration; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizes and honors Rock Ministries on their Tenth Anniversary of providing a unique combination of sports and faith based programs for at-risk youth in Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Rock Ministries as evidence of the respect and admiration of this legislative body for their positive work in our community.

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