In Riviera Beach, the sport of boxing took on a heartfelt mission this past weekend as local fighters laced up their gloves not just for the love of the game, but to raise a fist in the fight against mental health issues and suicide. Tate Recreation Facility played host to the third annual Sincere 2000 Foundation, where punches and purpose came together in a powerful display of solidarity.
Cheryl and Unique Melvin, the driven forces behind the Sincere 2000 Foundation, turned their personal tragedy into a rallying call for awareness. “Sincere 2000 got started in 2018 after we lost our son, Sincere, in 2018 to suicide,” Cheryl Melvin said, as reported by WPTV. The event not only celebrates the sport but also champions a much-needed dialogue on mental health challenges.
Breaking into the boxing scene in an event with such a crucial cause was 24-year-old West Palm Beach resident Michael Lista, who credited combat sports as critical to managing his anxiety. In a statement to WPTV, he emphasized the importance of boxing in his life saying, “The reason why I even got into combat sports is because of mental health.” It’s not just about the competition for these fighters; it’s personal, a therapeutic outlet for many.
The Melvins’ initiative garnered support from local dignitaries and sports celebrities alike. Councilman Lawson, together with Palm Beach Boxing, backed the “Boxing for a Cause” initiative, lending more heft to the event’s outreach as highlighted in a post from X of X1023FM. Star power was in no short supply either, with boxing great Iron Mike Tyson in attendance, giving his tacit nod to the cause.
“Boxing for a Cause” is an initiative by Riviera Beach Councilman Lawson & Palm Beach Boxing to support the Sincere2000 Foundation in raising awareness about the significance of mental illness & suicide prevention. Get tix & join us on Sat. at Tates Recreation Center! pic.twitter.com/nTeCRB6gOX
— X102.3FM (@X1023FM) May 23, 2024
The Sincere 2000 Foundation has struck a chord in the community, offering more than just a battleground for athletes. Unique Melvin, in reflections shared with WPTV, said, “My wife and I decided that if we can raise awareness, then maybe other families don’t have to go through it.” It’s a sentiment that resonates at the core of the event — to fight the good fight, inside the ring and out.