When former national lightweight boxing champion Paul Ryan left the ring, he wasn’t looking to land some corporate job. He just wanted to make a positive impact on his community. So when a space above a transmission shop at Bloor and Dundas became available, he hung up some boxing bags and founded Boxers Against Drugs and Guns Everywhere (BADGE), offering free boxing classes for at-risk and troubled youth.
In those early days, Paul did everything himself—answered the phone, taught classes, cleaned. His classes grew, from two people to 20, and soon he was working 16-hour days, seven days a week.
“In order to continue this program he would have to make some drastic changes,” says general manager Mike Savella. “Boxing wasn’t making him money so he decided to run this full fitness facility.”
In 2004, Paul took over the main level where the transmission shop had been. He brought in cardio equipment and hired a personal trainer. Today, Bloor Street Fitness and Boxing finances non-profit BADGE along with help from sponsors. The program has expanded to include outreach and motivational speaking in high schools. Hour-long classes taught by two-time Olympian Andrew Kooner are offered free-of-charge five days a week.
