Winners >Constable Dameon Okposio

Honourable Mentions

Constable Dameon Okposio
Peel Regional Police

Constable Dameon Okposio has found a way to combine his love for boxing with his desire to help youth in conflict with the law get their lives back on track. Youth have the chance to learn about discipline, hard work, responsibility and work ethic, says Okposio.

The idea started in February 2003, when Okposio offered to mentor a youth who was before the court on criminal charges. He became both a positive role model and a boxing coach for the youth. Okposio hopes that boxing will teach youth the same lessons that it taught him. After growing up in foster care and dropping out of high school in Grade 10, Okposio credits boxing for helping him make positive lifestyle choices. "That is why I am so dedicated, I am giving back for what I have gotten," he says.

The partnership was found to be such a success that Okposio began meeting with the justice who over saw the youth's case in order to discuss the creation of diversion program for youth with an interest in boxing. Okposio made an agreement with a local boxing gym to open the place up weekday mornings for youth who are interested in the sport. Youth who are on probation or who need to complete community service hours are encouraged to attend the gym to help keep them busy and out of trouble.

Okposio is able to draw on his own upbringing when counselling youth, which allows him to make a strong and positive connection. He is currently working on finding an unused space in Brampton that he could convert into a boxing gym where he could work with youth on both their boxing skills and life choices. Once a permanent place is finalized, Okposio hopes to have the diversion program up and running.

Contact person:
Constable Dameon Okposio
(905) 453-3311 ext. 3736