FIGHTING in school is usually ample reason for suspension or expulsion, but not at Boys’ Town in Trench Town, where fighting forms a part of the daily curriculum for some students.

However, it’s not uncontrolled, aimless fighting. These boys have their eyes and hearts set on a career in boxing, and train daily at the Boys’ Town Grant Hayles Gym as part of their preparations.

FirstCaribbean International Bank (Jamaica) Limited recently donated $70,000 to the gym, equipping a team to compete at the Jamaica Boxing Association National Open Championship where they won four silver and two gold medals.

“The support from FirstCaribbean helped us to purchase equipment like speedballs and gloves so that the team could practise properly, and new uniforms and shoes really made them look like a team and built their self-confidence,” said gym co-ordinator Junior Arnold.

Clovis Metcalfe, managing director of FirstCaribbean, congratulated the team on a recent visit to the gym. Noting that the Boys’ Town football team is a highly competitive member of the football fraternity and proud winners of several Jamaica National Premier League cups, Metcalfe told the young boxers: “The footballers can be an inspiration to you. You have done well so far and you have a positive future before you, but you have to train hard, be disciplined and stay focused.”

He added that FirstCaribbean was very pleased to assist in the development of the gym as “an excellent training ground for talented athletes who wish to hone their skills. Boxing is a respectable profession that can give you the tools to earn a decent living, look after your families and make a positive contribution to your country”.

Boys’ Town was founded in 1940 by Sir Hugh Sherlock, OJ, a Methodist minister and author of Jamaica’s national anthem, to provide care and support for residents. In addition to the gym, the compound is home to a school and a football stadium.