Ever wished for a safe, free space to build confidence and challenge body & mind? For Puna’s kids, that’s Vital Boxing—a local nonprofit launched in 2023 by Pete Vital, who turned his life around through boxing and wanted to give kids the chance he never had (he was once turned away for being unable to pay).

Last Saturday, they held the first sanctioned USA Boxing Hawaiʻi event “Battle in Puna.” Beyond punches and footwork, Vital Boxing offers free training to boost physical health and mental resilience, creating a supportive community for kids to grow.

What do you think of programs breaking financial barriers for kids in sports? Would you have loved free boxing training as a kid? Drop a comment!