Local boxing club continues to inspire, supporting at-risk men by giving them a new outlet for success
Posted July 20, 2026 8:09 pm.
Winnipeg’s Pan Am boxing gym is where men from all walks of life are given a pair of boxing gloves and a chance to change their future. And for some members, it meant life or death.
“Finding Pan-Am has given me an outlet to channel any type of frustration, any kind of temptation. I’ve got a focus. I’ve got a purpose now. I’ve got a passion,” said Trevor Williams, a member of the Pan-Am Boxing Club.
The program is in partnership with Pan-Am Place, a transitional housing facility for at-risk men.
Williams, who is 41-years-old, has been in the program for just under a year. He’s been in and out of different recovery programs and says that none compare to Pan Am, and now, he’s 500 days sober.
“I’m not going to be a lot of good for my daughter if I’m out using or I’m in jail. So focusing on one day at a time, staying sober is key, and boxing is just absolutely beautiful for my recovery,” said Williams.
Trystan Dario, 22, has been in the program for three months and even in his short time at Pan Am, he’s already been inspired to someday open a similar program.
“I’ve seen myself grow a lot. I’m definitely back to my old self. Like how I used to be. I think over the last couple years I was very groggy, probably depressed,” said Dario.
Dylan Martin is a manager and head coach with Pan Am Boxing Club. He trains with Tristan and Trevor multiple times a week and believes there needs to be more recovery programs that include a physical outlet.
“Some guys, they do it cause they have to. Those guys do it because they want to do it. That’s the big difference. Just like anything, if you don’t actually believe in what you’re doing and have no motivation for it, you’re just wasting time,” said Martin.
Pan Am Place allocates space for up to 22 men at a time. Christopher Sarifa is a manager with the program and works with members on a day-to-day basis.
“It helps them a lot to release anger, tension, whatever they have in their life to keep their mind off of something else, rather than what they’re used to. So yeah, I’ve seen it help a lot of people,” said Sarifa.
