The Ol Skool Tribe motorcycle club is hosting its Second Annual Motorcycle Ride, benefiting the Dungeon Boxing Club, on Saturday.

The Ellerbe boxing club has been going strong for about six years. During that time, the group has managed to churn out seven State Champions, three Junior Olympic Champions and three Toughman Champions.

The club was started by Mario Olivera, who received this year’s North Carolina Coach of the Year Award.

“Our goal is to keep kids off the streets, and I think we’ve had a very positive influence on the kids and young men who have participated,” Olivera said in a previous interview. “Boxing is a sport which not only builds strong bodies, but also confidence and self-esteem.”

Olivera said that Jim Watts, coach and general manager for the club, introduced the group to the Ol Skool Tribe, and an instant bond was formed.

“The guys in the motorcycle club really wanted to help the kids out - this is the second ride they’ve held for the boys,” said Olivera. “Jim and the Ol Skoolers have made the kids so happy.”

The money raised will help fund the boxing clubs travel expenses, when they make trips to attend competitions, as well as toward equipment, uniforms and upkeep of the facility.

The club is also raising money to host a boxing competition in Rockingham.

“Everyone knows Richmond County has a great football team,” said Olivera. “We want people to know we have some really great boxers here too!”

“We usually have about an average of 22-25 kids participating,” said Olivera. “And 15 of them are registered with U.S.A. Amateur Boxing.”

The ride will start at the Southern Road House, at 640 McNair Street, in Rockingham. Registration starts at 1 p.m., and bikers will pull out at 2 p.m. Riders will travel about 50 miles, and return at 4:30 p.m.

Registration for single riders is $15, or $20 for double riders. There will be door prizes, 50/50 drawing and an auction following the ride. Plates will be sold for $5, and all riders will eat free.

“We went out and saw them box last year, and they were just amazing,” said Ol Skool Tribe President David Gerald. “We noticed that their facility really needed some upgrades, so we held a ride for them then, and were so impressed with the kids that we decided to make it an annual thing.”

Call 910-730-3275 for more information.

Staff writer Kelli Easterling can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 18, or by email at keasterling@heartlandpublications.com