(The following press release was provided verbatim by the Bucks County Sheriff's Office)
The Bucks County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League (PAL) recently celebrated the first graduating class of its inaugural youth boxing program. In a ceremony held at the Joe Hand Boxing Gym, co-ed students ages 11-17 from across Bucks County were recognized for completing the multi-month program, marking a milestone for the county’s newest youth outreach initiative.
Launched earlier this year, the program provided a structured, safe, and positive environment where students learned the fundamentals of boxing, discipline, and physical fitness. More importantly, the sessions served as a bridge between the youth and law enforcement, with Bucks County Sheriff’s deputies working alongside trainers to mentor participants.
"Seeing these thirty young men and women stand here today is a proud moment for our office and the entire county," said Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran. "When we launched this PAL chapter, our goal was to break down barriers and show these kids that law enforcement is here to support them. Watching their confidence grow over the last few months has been incredible. This program is a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in our youth without asking for a dime from the taxpayers."
The program is a cornerstone of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office PAL, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded entirely through private donations and community support, including the Penn Community Bank Foundation. By design, the program is offered at no cost to students or taxpayers, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent local youth from accessing high-quality mentorship and athletic training.
Elijah Schiavo, a 15-year-old participant, shared how the program has been life-changing. "I've been in trouble before this. I was on probation and everything. Ever since I started boxing, I stopped smoking. I got my stuff together," said Schiavo. "Boxing is really fun and it's something I look forward to. It's definitely one of my favorite things in my life right now."
"This gym has always been about more than just finding the next champion in the ring; it’s about helping these kids become champions in their own lives," said Joe Hand, Jr., "The discipline, respect, and resilience they’ve shown throughout this program will serve them long after they hang up their gloves. We are honored to partner with Sheriff Harran and his team to provide a sanctuary where Bucks County youth can thrive."
The graduation marks the end of the first session, which was capped at 15 participants per class to ensure personalized attention and safety. Due to the program’s overwhelming success and a growing waitlist, future sessions and additional opportunities to expand the PAL initiative to other areas of the county are under way.
About Bucks County Sheriff's Office: Led by Sheriff Frederick A. Harran, the BCSO serves over 630,000 residents. The office is committed to proactive community engagement and public safety through its SCOPE (Sheriff's Community Outreach and Public Engagement) initiatives.
About Joe Hand Boxing Gym: Founded nearly 30 years ago by Joe Hand Sr., the Joe Hand Boxing Gym is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing specialized boxing and fitness programs for individuals of all backgrounds, including individuals with Parkinson’s disease, children with special needs, and a PAL Program to benefit the local youth. The Hand Family's dedication to providing a supportive environment continues to inspire the organization’s commitment to serving and strengthening the community. To learn more about the Joe Hand Boxing Gym, visit: https://joehandgym.com/
