(ATLANTA, Ga.) — The goal is to stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize.

That’s the lesson, that some young men are learning inside the ring at the PALS Boxing gym. PALS, also known as the ‘Police Athletic League,’ is a program within the Atlanta Police Department that offers mentoring, tutoring and de-escalation programs, just to name a few.

“It got me to who I am now, like very disciplined and humbled. I feel that it’s where every kid should go, when you feel like you’re in a dark spot,” said Alexander Purnell.

In the gym, the students say they are taught boxing techniques and skills, but they also say it’s a lot more than that.

“It just teaches you about life, about caring for others, helping others out, because that’s what they’re doing now,” said DeMario Smith.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said what happens inside the ring is critical, especially with a recent shooting involving teens near Atlantic Station.

Police said the shooting was gang-related.

Zyion Charles, 12, and 15-year old Cameron Jackson, 15, were shot and killed. Jackson’s family members said he loved boxing.

“It makes us when we see the tragedy of last week, to work harder, to double down our efforts to combat gang influences to combat gangs, and while we’re putting gang members and gang leaders in jail, we’re doing this for individuals to not join gangs,”” Schierbaum said.

But these programs require resources — that’s why Atlanta Police Department and Atlanta Fire Rescue Department are raising money with boxing matches in an event called “Guns N’ Hoses.”

“It’s important to let them know that we’re willing to step out and do what we need to do to raise the funds and benefit the extracurricular activities for the kids,” said Chief Roderick Smith of the Atlanta Rescue Fire Department.

Meanwhile, young teens are fighting for a chance to be better.

For more information about “Guns N’ Hoses” you can visit its website here.

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