The Red Deer Boxing Association is hoping the fans are in its corner as it battles it out in a TSN contest that will award $25,000 each to 10 sporting organizations across Canada.

The contest designed to highlight local communities and providing funding to improve sports facilities was kicked off earlier this summer and drew about 460 entries from sports groups and communities across Canada.

Two weeks ago the list was pared down to 20, and the Red Deer Boxing Association, which was nominated by the local Piper Creek Optimist Club, made the cut.

It’s now pitted against an Edmonton’s Lago Lindo Community League, which offers a wide range of local youth sports programs, to become one of the top 10 finalists and winners of the cash. The Piper Creek Optimists have also offered to provide funding up to $25,000 to the boxers to improve their downtown facility at 4916 Ross St.

Community online voting begins at noon July 15 and runs until 11:59 a.m. the next day. Supporters can vote for the boxers at www.tsn.ca.

Winners will become part of the Kraft Celebration Tour 10 in 10, which will see TSN and its Francophone version, RDS, visit the 10 winning communities in 10 days this summer.

Piper Creek Optimist Glenn Devereaux said they found out two weeks ago they made the top 20, but they were sworn to secrecy until Canada Day.

The boxing association has a one-in-two chance of winning a cash prize that will go to replacing the aging boxing ring, and worn-out punching bag and other equipment. Floors, mirrors and change rooms also need work.

The boxing association serves athletes as young as eight to adults with six volunteer coaches. The club has a policy of turning no one away, even if a person can’t afford the initial $100 fee or $30 monthly charge. Fundraising options are offered instead.

Dennis Ejack, has been involved with the local club for 14 years as a coach and an official, said they deserve to take home the prize.

“We offer something that nobody else can offer because it’s not cost-effective,” said Ejack, who is also vice-president with Boxing Alberta.

Youngsters come into the club to see what it is all about and leave with strongly held values, physical skills and confidence.

“Our facility is in such bad shape . . . We’ve now got the opportunity to look like a real sports club,” he said.

The boxing club does fundraising to cover its lease, basic upkeep and hold tournaments. There hasn’t been enough money left over though to undertake building improvements.

Ejack is confident they will come out on top. “We’re gonna win this thing.”

If the boxing club wins, TSN SportsCentre will celebrate with a live broadcast from Red Deer. Kraft will also sponsor a Family Fun Day and a Sports Day.

pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com