By Matt Youngfrau
SOUTH FALLSBURG — November 1, 2002 – For the past two years, Fallsburg business owner Tom Chi has been working diligently to refurbish the Main Street Gym.
Chi has completely renovated and restored both floors of the gym, which is located in South Fallsburg. The top floor is completely dedicated to boxing, while the first floor focuses on programs like martial arts and Tai Chi classes.
The grand opening of the gym was held Monday night on the top floor. That part of the gym was completely done and set up as a professional boxing training area. The gym includes a ring, heavy bag, and sparring equipment.
Approximately 40 people came out for the grand opening. Sullivan County Legislature Chair Leni Binder was on hand to present Chi with an official proclamation for his work in restoring and opening the gym.
Among the others in attendance was professional heavyweight boxer Lou Savarese. Savarese has been working with Chi to design the gym. Savarese has promised, when his schedule permits, to come up and train at the gym.
“This is the best area for fighters,” Savarese said. “This is a beautiful place to train. I saw it in the beginning – it has come a long ways. It really looks nice.”
“It took a tremendous effort to get this place going,” Chi said. “Lou had a real excitement for this idea. I’m not really into boxing. Lou’s enthusiasm got me excited (about it). He put the life in this program.”
Chi will be working with the Fallsburg Police Department and Fallsburg Central School to set up a youth boxing program. Fallsburg DARE Officer Simmie Williams has already lined up the first group for the program. Chi plans to expand that by developing men’s and women’s programs as well.
Chi is hoping to have the entire gym done by next spring. The first floor will be utilized for Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and other programs.
Classes are currently being given at the gym. For more information, call 436-9000.