Boxing legend Mike Tyson stepped out of the ring and into a new kind of fight — promoting youth fitness. On June 5, Tyson visited the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix to encourage young people to live healthier lives.
Tyson joined state leaders and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley to launch a new statewide fitness challenge. He spoke to a group of enthusiastic teens about the importance of staying active.
“Fitness is so vital and important at a young age,” Tyson said. “That’s why I’m happy to team up with state representatives and the Boys & Girls Club to support this challenge.”
Tyson’s Transformational Technologies Academy, located in Phoenix, had several of its graduates at the event. For them, it was a powerful moment. They saw what they could achieve with hard work and dedication.
One of them, Jose Beltran, shared his story. “I had cancer. I grew up overweight and lived an unhealthy lifestyle,” he said. “Tyson’s videos motivated me to work out, and now I’ve lost 60 pounds.”
Beltran’s transformation echoed the theme of the day — that with support and determination, anyone can improve their health.
Several state lawmakers from the Phoenix area attended the event. Many welcomed Boys & Girls Club members to sit in their seats, giving them a glimpse into state leadership.
Arizona Representative Teresa Martinez shared her concerns about youth fitness. “I heard on the radio that many high school students are physically unfit,” she said. “Then I overheard Tyson and a congressman talking about bringing back the fitness test, and I thought it was a great idea.”
Leaders from the Boys & Girls Club also used the event to strengthen ties with state representatives. They hope to form long-term partnerships to support their youth programs.
“Together, we can beat childhood obesity,” said Josh Stine, vice president of external affairs for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley. “The first step is to challenge kids to get fit in a fun and competitive way — and that’s what the fitness challenge is all about.”
