I was raised in Washington Heights, New York City. This is a tough place to grow up. There is a lot of drugs, gangs and violence. It’s definitely a challenge to keep your head straight. So, I turned to sports, particular basketball as a way to stay out of trouble. Basketball has taught me discipline and leadership on and off the court. It also introduced me to the gym, where I met members of City Gym Boys and my life changed immediately. Finally, I had positive role models in my life. Now, I’m back in school and working part-time. CGB has shown me a better way of life and now I’m mentoring other young kids in my neighborhood on the importance of education and exercise.

-Goldin