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Law Enforcement to Duke it Out at Barona
12 matches on tap for fundraiser
By Johnny McDonald
Law enforcement officers are willing to lace on gloves and, with extreme bravado, battle each other for a great cause — the youth of San Diego.
This internal skirmish will take place on June 18 in a 10- or 12-bout boxing card at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino, starting at 4 p.m.
It’s the third annual Battle of the Badges charity program, conducted by the Barona Band of the Mission Indians, Community Youth Athletic Center and the National Latino Peace Officers Association.
Undoubtedly, the major assignment will be for the matchmaker who must line up comparable opponents. Like amateur and professional boxing, participants are paired by weight divisions and experience. Either way, it figures to be a bang-up affair.
During the past two years, this sold-out event has raised $79,000 for the Community Youth Athletic Center. Proceeds will benefit CYAC’s youth programs to keep kids off the streets and in school through boxing, tutorial and mentoring programs.
“We are very pleased to continue our support of the Community Youth Athletic Center by having the third annual Battle of the Badges at Barona Valley Ranch,” said Rhonda Welch Scalco, chairwoman of the Barona Band of the Mission Indians. “Last year, over 2,000 people attended the event, and we expect another huge crowd again this year.”
Officers from the San Diego, National City and Chula Vista police departments, Donovan State Prison, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, California Corrections Officers, Imperial and Los Angeles counties law enforcement officers will be weighed in for the battles.
“The interest in the Battle of The Badges boxing event has certainly grown over the years, and we’re so pleased that the Barona Band of Mission Indians supports our event so enthusiastically at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino,” said Victor Nunez, a member of the CYAC board. “The support we receive from the Barona Band of Mission Indians has been a key ingredient to the ongoing accomplishments of our organization.”
In the past five years, the Barona Band of the Mission Indians and the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino has contributed more than $215,000 to the CYAC. That includes a $170,000 donation to help the organization purchase a new 3,700-square-foot facility in National City that opened in 2001.
Event tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children, 14 and under. In addition, VIP tables of four are available at $300. Tickets can be purchased at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino gift shop.
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