The Frio County Sheriff's Office has launched a youth program that pairs a court-ordered diversion track with a free public academy. The POSSE (Purpose, Opportunity, Stability, Support, Education) Program operates both tracks at the newly established True Grit Boxing Academy.
The first track serves at-risk youths ages 10 to 17 who have active criminal cases, school disciplinary actions or chronic truancy. Participants who complete a required schedule of training hours and mentorship sessions can resolve pending legal and disciplinary issues, avoid formal court adjudication and return to regular school settings. The second track is open to any local youth. Classes are free Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., led by two full-time certified boxing instructors.
Sheriff Peter Salinas said youth sports can be expensive for struggling families. "Our training program comes at zero cost to our kids," he said. Salinas said youth boxing teaches self-respect, mental toughness and physical fitness. The program is funded through a $150,000 grant.