For more information, contact:
The St. Louis Sports Commission
314-992-0687
tfrank@stlouissports.org

SPINKS BROTHERS TO RETURN TO ST. LOUIS FOR SPORTS FOR KIDS BOXING CLINIC MAY 11

ST. LOUIS — May 2, 2002 — Let’s get ready to rumble. The one-two punch of Leon and Michael Spinks comes back to St. Louis as part of a rare hometown appearance by the two boxing legends. The Spinks brothers are scheduled to participate in a Sports for Kids Youth Boxing Clinic Saturday, May 11. Kids from St. Louis area youth boxing teams and clubs — as well as beginners — are invited to participate. The clinic takes place from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Wohl Recreation Center, 1515 N. Kingshighway Blvd. It is free of charge.

In addition to the Spinks brothers, Cory Spinks, the No. 2 ranked contender in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the son of Leon, will appear at the clinic. The three boxers and other coaches will provide top-notch instruction on boxing fundamentals. They’ll also offer tips on training, proper diet, and life skills and attitude development. Individuals and teams can register for the clinic by calling 314-992-0689 or e-mail tfrank@stlouissports.org. Please note that participants must register in advance.

"This is a tremendous thrill to welcome home two people who have meant so much to St. Louis and the sport of boxing," said Troye Frank, director of the St. Louis Sports Foundation / Sports for Kids — the charitable affiliate of the St. Louis Sports Commission. "The opportunity to bring Michael and Leon together doesn’t come around very often. And to be able to have them on hand to interact with kids from around our area — it doesn’t get any better than this. This will truly be a special treat for our community’s youth and something our clinic participants will remember forever."

Born and raised in St. Louis, the Spinks brothers experienced a pair of marvelous boxing careers. Both Michael and Leon won gold medals at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. In 1978, Leon pulled off a stunning upset against Muhammad Ali to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Michael is regarded as one of the top light heavyweight champions of all time. And when no one else would challenge him, he jumped into the heavyweight ranks and defeated then-unbeaten Larry Holmes for the title. Michael became the second Spinks brother crowned heavyweight champion.

Michael, Leon and Cory are participating in the Youth Boxing Clinic on behalf of the Sports Commission’s Sports for Kids program. Sports for Kids coordinates a series of initiatives that help young people from St. Louis live healthier, happier and more productive lives through exposure to sports. The Youth Boxing Clinic is one of several activities produced by the organization throughout the year. Sports for Kids events include youth coaches clinics aimed at developing and augmenting the skills of youth sports instructors, an annual Victory Dinner saluting local volunteer youth coaches, and an annual Sports Career Day for high school students interested in pursuing a career in the sports industry.

Click here for more information on the May 11 Youth Boxing Clinic.