Momentum continues to build at The Shadowbox in Lacombe, with young boxers coming off the heels of the Diamond Belt competition.
Trevor MacKinnon, who owns and manages the studio with his wife Dana, said the event held late last month was a huge success backed up by solid community support.
"We had about 500 people in the venue," he said, adding that the volunteers who help out in so many areas are the finest he's ever worked with.
"When I say it's a family, it is a family. At the competition, (our fighters) were terrific as well," he said, also crediting his wife with creating a remarkably successful event.
"It was fantastic. All of our kids - we put them in with tough kids, and they did amazing," he said. "All in all, it was a great showing."
Meanwhile, things have been bustling at The Shadowbox.
"We were in Brampton, Ontario this year, we were down in Houston this year, we had an offer to go back to the Maritimes this year, too. We were everywhere. Every weekend, Dena and I, the team, and the family were on the roads, up and down the highway, winning some (tournaments), losing some, and just having a lot of fun," he said.
"We've been making memories, and that's what The Shadowbox is all about."
Trevor and Dana had been coaching in Red Deer when it was suggested to them they launch a similar venture in Lacombe.
And these days, the couple is excited to see their young team of dedicated boxers grow not only in their boxing skills but also in their levels of confidence, he said.
It takes plenty of commitment. Those prepping for competitions train at The Shadowbox four nights a week plus spend time there on the weekends.
On other fronts, Trevor said the organization tries to contribute to the community as much as they can.
Looking ahead, The Shadowbox slows down over the summer compared to the main competition season, but there are still one or two assistant coaches on hand.
Meanwhile, Trevor said he and his wife strive to provide a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment at the Shadowbox.
"We have all started where the new kids have started," he explained. "The sky is the limit for these kids. The hard work pays off."