Documentary using low budget equipment. **PLEASE NOTE THE NAMES ARE MADE UP AS IM ONLY THE EDITOR AND WAS NOT AVALIBLE TO RETRIVE SOME NAMES**---------------------------------------- -*Inspiration*When Mr. Akay's ten year old son, Tee Jay wanted to learn to box, he was determined to train him right. He developed a regime that set Tee Jay on a course to become a local champ at the tender age of eleven, inspiring in many of his friends a desire to learn as well. Unfortunately, in 1974 groups of black kids were seen as disruptive and Mr. Akay's ragtag bunch was excluded from the local gym. Determined to give them a fighting chance, he began training them in his flat and at local parks. As their numbers grew more space was needed but the local government council could only provide a makeshift, part time facility. Mr. Akay insured that his club was open to kids from every background because "sports is a kind of activity which has no barriers...it doesn't matter which colour, it doesn't matter which background, people are met on equal standards". And his open door policy paid off. Despite the lack of proper equipment and facilities, Mr. Akay began turning out champions. *Building a dream*Impressed with his positive results, the area's youth council found Mr. Akay a disused property which would become the Gym and Youth Club. However, to bring the facility up to code, an injection of capital was needed. Wading through the quagmire of bureaucracy, he managed to register the club as a charity, obtained a lottery grant and matching funds from the Sports Council and raised the £1500 needed for renovations and equipment. *Police intervention*The area around the gym was known as the 'front line' in the 70's and many of the kids were in and out of trouble. In an effort to keep his young boxers on the straight and narrow, Mr. Akay invited the local police to train at the club and "create a good relationship between the young people, our community, and the police". This inspired move even produced a few winners at the 'La Fone' Police Championships. This community spirit goes beyond the gym and Mr. Akay assures that his All Stars know they have a responsibility to the club even when they exit its doors "to the local residents it was something very positive going on here. We have got a very good reputation...and the boys are well behaved" *Forward thinking*In an area of London where kids are likely to be shut out because of prejudice, Mr. Akay's forward thinking has opened a club that transcends barriers and really makes a difference "I think I'm blessed with...the ability to inspire people, and to get also the best out of people". His inspiration offers kids, who may have otherwise been victims of their environment, a fighting chance at a better life. ---------------------------------------- -Tribute to Tee Jay Akay - 1962|2006 *PLEASE EXCUSE THE PICUTRE QUALITY IT HAD TO BE COMPRESSED FOR YOUTUBE'S UPLOAD LIMIT*

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