Two participants from the Santa Clarita Community Center Boxing Program have been invited to represent the State of California in their respective weight divisions at the Regional Championships on January 4, 2007, in Norwalk, CA. Marlene Castro and Joana Pereyda, both ages 14, competed at the Long Beach Police Athletic League (PAL) Center on Sunday, December 4, 2006, and won the California State Silver Gloves.

Castro defeated Erandy Frias after Frias was disqualified in the first round and Pereyda won her match on a technicality. Pereyda was the 2005 winner of the Junior Olympics and California State Silver Gloves.

“We are so proud to have two female athletes from the City of Santa Clarita compete in the Regional Championships,” commented Mayor Laurene Weste. “We commend both of you for your hard work and dedication to the sport of Boxing and congratulate you on your tremendous achievement,” she added.

Both girls will continue to train at the Community Center with volunteer Boxing Coach Juan M. "Superman " Jimenez to prepare for the upcoming event.

Additionally, Castro and Pereyda have been invited to represent USA Boxing in a prestigious national tournament in Puerto Rico on January 15, 2007, which is a precursor to becoming an Olympic contender.

For more information about the Santa Clarita Community Center, including Boxing, please contact (661) 286-4006 or visit http://www.santa-clarita.com/cityhall/parks/communitycenter/.