Jack Costello Boxing Club has partnered with a unique boxing program to help individuals with Down syndrome learn to box, writes Kerith Gabriel for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Down to Box, is a program founded in Wilmington, Delaware, that empowers people with Down syndrome to use boxing as a vehicle to work on their coordination, mental focus, and physical fitness.

Costello’s in Philadelphia is the only gym to take part in the program. 

Marjorie Anderson, whose daughter Phoenix has Down syndrome and takes part in the program, saw a positive change barely two weeks into her time in the program.

“She’s listening and she’s looking at people,” Anderson explained about her daughter. “Every time [boxing instructor Dominique Collette] speaks, she’s listening, she’s taking it all in.”

Brian Costello, an owner of the gym, has always had a hand in teaching the sport of boxing. However, he has also long strived to serve as a beacon for the Tacony community. 

“We’ve always had a demand for this even before we got involved with Down to Box,” said Costello. “We’ve been coming in here for years during our off hours to do stuff with kids individually.”

Linking up with Down to Box adds to the mission of supporting others.

Read more about Costello’s and Down to Box at The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

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