Scholarship

The Astoria Boxing Club was formed in the late 70′s thanks to the generosity of Louis Valente, owner of the Astoria Hotel, and Elio Lus, the long time coach of the Northwest Eagles Boxing Club. Louis donated space in the basement of the hotel and Elio, who was leaving the sport, donated the essential equipment needed to start out. Elio also left a core group of boxers who formed the foundation of the club. Because of the club’s community involvement, many boys from the east end were drawn to the Astoria and became very successful athletes, some winning Canadian Championships and fighting for Canada at various international competitions.

Around 1978, the club decided to put on its first fundraiser at the Italian Cultural Centre. George Angelomatis conceived the idea of a sportsman’s dinner—for $50.00, attendees were treated to a full buffet dinner, beer, wine and spirits, and eight live boxing matches in a raised ring. The dinner was a huge success and has been held annually ever since. This annual fundraiser was the club’s only source of revenue, and has allowed the Astoria Boxing Club to provide boxing and fitness programs to young people who otherwise may not be able to afford the cost of training.

Over the course of the past 30 years, the success of the Astoria Boxing Club’s fundraising endeavors has grown such that it is now able to offer post secondary scholarships to those young people who have participated in our sport and, according to the volunteer-based Astoria Scholarship Fund Board of Directors, meet certain other criteria. It is our goal to be able to financially assist young athletes in their pursuit of education and to foster their future success.

Astoria Boxing Club
Board of Directors