CALDWELL OPTIMIST CLUB
Chartered March of 1979
Silver Belt Invitational Boxing Tournament
Weigh-ins:
September 28,2024
8:30am - 11am
O'Connor Field House
315 South 22nd Street Caldwell, Idaho
$5.00 - weigh-in fee is due at the time of weigh-in
Main Event:
September 28, 2024
O'Connor Field House
Caldwell, Idaho
Doors open at 5:00pm
History
The Silver Belt Invitational boxing tournament started in 1979. It was the vision of Manny Albares. He was able to collaborate with the Caldwell Police Athletic League (PAL) and Caldwell Optimist Club to enhance and continue the tournament. The Silver Belt is known for the belt that participants receive when winning their weight division. Boxers come from all over the Pacific Northwest, California, and Canada seeking the covenant Silver Belt of Idaho.
The tournament participants come in all sizes, ages, and sexes. Boxers can weigh between 40 to over 200 pounds and ages 8 to 34 are allowed to compete. It is open to both female and male boxers. There are about 20-30 bouts fought during the tournament.
Maybe the most amazing fact about the tournament is all the volunteers that have given their time gracefully over the years. Coaches, officials, doctors, parents, and community clubs. They give selflessly to the tournament alive.
The tournament relies heavily on sponsorship to keep the tournament going. Over the years many community businesses have given graciously. The tournament organizers appreciate all the contributions from volunteers and sponsors. THANK YOU!
Manny Albares
Founder of the Silver Belt
Manuel (Manny) Albares was a long-time Caldwell resident. In the early 70’s he saw the need to provide activities for high-risk youth. He used his skills and talents in boxing to create positive opportunities for the high-risk youth in the community. Manny worked with the community to find a building to house a gym so youth could learn the sport of boxing. In the mid-1980’s, Manny was invited by the Police Athletic League (PAL) to bring his program to Caldwell. In 1979 Manny held the first Silver Belt Amateur Boxing Tournament. This tournament draws boxers from all over the western states and Canada. Without his vision and driving force there would be no Silver Belt or boxing program in Caldwell. Manny worked endlessly for over 50 years to ensure boxing stayed alive in the Caldwell area. He worked with thousands of youth to help them become not only boxers, but better people. Manny passed away in 2021, but his family continues to carry out his legacy.
Forms
Sponsor Brochure
Coach Flyers
Contact Information
Head Coach:
Ed Pizano
(986)837-2577
Assistant Coach:
Mario Hernandez
(208)675-5760
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