Destiny Athletics Canada

by Christann Efthyvoulou | March 1, 2024

Destiny Athletics Canada is a not-for-profit athletic organization that supports amateur athletes. The organization’s mission is to provide a supportive structure for elite athletes who represent their sport at the highest level and bridge the gap in funding. Furthermore, we strive to educate communities on the lasting advantages of athletics.

Former boxing champion and world-ranked #1 Super Middleweight Syd “The Jewel” Vanderpool founded Destiny Boxing when he retired from his professional boxing career. He trains the athletes from his gym, SydFIT Health Centre, in Kitchener, Ontario. He is passionate about coaching young athletes and is dedicated to helping them achieve their dreams. The organization has existed for several years and has worked with high-level elite athletes such as 2-time Olympian and accomplished world-renowned female boxer Mandy Bujold and rising Destiny Athletics Canada Elite Boxer Scarlett Delgado.

Delgado joined the Destiny Boxing team in 2020 after Bujold invited her to join her training camp for quality sparring for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Upon entering the training camp, Delgado was immediately inspired by the team’s culture and Vanderpool’s exceptional training. Her experience motivated her to strive for greater heights and pursue further training with Vanderpool as her coach.

Delgado is working hard to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the organization is proud to be a significant part of her journey. She is an elite member of the Canadian National Team, and she has been training tirelessly to showcase her skills at the Olympic Trials held from December 5-10, 2023 in Montreal. Her hard work paid off as she emerged victorious, winning all three fights unanimously, and securing her position on the Canadian Olympic Qualifying Team.

“As someone self-taught for most of my career, I advise young boxers to confront challenges directly from an early age. This will help build courage and the ability to persevere through difficult situations, such as facing punches in the ring,” says Delgado. Delgado’s unwavering dedication, passion, and resilience have transformed her from a recreational boxer into a remarkable professional athlete. Her journey emphasizes the significance of access to quality training programs and resources in fully developing one’s interests and skills. Her commitment to her profession as a boxer is commendable, and her dedication has become a passion that helps her maintain her physical and mental well-being.

Boxer Kaitlyn Clark warming up with her coach and CEO of DAC Syd Vanderpool.

Destiny Athletics Canada recently hosted Kitchener Klash, a fight night fundraiser at Bingemans Conference Centre on November 4th, 2023. The event’s primary objective was to raise funds for Destiny Boxing’s elite athletes to help them progress in their athletic careers. The night featured 13 knockout fights, showcasing the skills of various fighters. The funds raised during the event will support Destiny Athletics Canada’s mission to empower elite athletes by providing financial and training support to achieve the highest levels of excellence in their respective sports.

The evening was a huge success, packed with family, friends, and boxing enthusiasts, with nine of Destiny Boxing’s finest fighters dominating the red corner. Among them were Hussein Muhamad-Salih, Mehreen “The Wolverine” Khakh, and Canadian National Team athlete Kaitlyn Clark, who displayed their expertise and determination in the ring, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The event also provided guests with the opportunity to interact with the fighters and meet some of the distinguished VIP guests, such as Olympic Heavyweight Ricardo “Big 12” Brown, Canadian former professional boxer “Dangerous” Denton Daley, and Canadian professional heavyweight boxer, stuntman, and actor Bola Raymond Olubowale.

“I’m having a great time! It’s amazing to see all the young talent in the fighters. They show what is up and coming for Canada, ” says Delgado, who also attended the evening as a VIP guest.

“My nephew is here with me tonight,” said Daley as he discussed his evening. “He started boxing about a year ago, so I’m here to help him train, improve his mindset, gain experience, and explain what he’s seeing. I’m also here to support Syd and his team – he coached me when I was a pro fighter. I always try to support him in whatever he’s doing. So far, it’s been a good night.”

“The fights are great so far!” says Olubowale. “It’s awesome to catch up with old friends and see new faces. It makes me feel hopeful about what’s to come with the next generation of fighters.”

Mehreen “The Wolverine” Khakh (in red) throwing a jab at an opponent during competing.

Destiny Athletics Canada is not just a supporter of young boxers with big dreams, but a community of people who have come together to support and empower young athletes. The organization provides a supportive and nurturing environment that helps young athletes develop their skills and gain the confidence they need to succeed.

Athletic organizations in Canada struggle to receive adequate funding to support their athletes, leaving them to rely on in-kind donations and local sponsorships for travel, lodging, and equipment expenses. Despite these challenges, athletes remain committed to pursuing excellence and showcasing their incredible athletic talent. Their unwavering dedication and determination deserve recognition and support from the community. By supporting them, we can help these athletes achieve their dreams and make Canada proud on the world stage. Let us unite and empower our young athletes to become champions in sports and life.

If you wish to donate and sponsor the talented athletes of Destiny Athletics Canada, we encourage you to visit the GoFundMe page, and follow our social platforms for upcoming fundraising events.

Say Hello to Destiny Athletics Canada