Residents upset about council donation to boxing organization

A Dorchester County Council grant allocation has some residents taking jabs at a Summerville gym.

Earlier this month, council members voted to give the School of Hard Knox a grant for $5,000. Some people are concerned because the gym is Christian-based in nature. The organization teaches at-risk youth about boxing and gives them alternatives in life.

Owner John Lewellen said that he is not surprised that people are trying to tear down the group. He stands by the idea that his group is simply a non-profit organization with a Christian leader.

County Council member Richard Rosebrock said the group may need to find an alternate form of funding in the future, but feels Lewellen’s heart is in the right place. He fears that because of the shaky economy, the $5,000 grant may possibly come back to haunt the council in the future.