Corner Team, Inc. Uses Sports To Build Strong Minds, Bodies, And Communities.
We work together with community residents and strategic partners to shape the world's future Champions for Life
Our Mission
Our Story
Our Location
Our TEAM
In The Press
Corner Team uses Olympic-style boxing to strengthen core competencies that improve academic performance, encourage healthy and active lifestyles, and build strong communities of engaged citizens.
The Vision is clear: building strong minds, bodies, and communities creates champions for life--leaders inspiring positive change.
Corner Team, Inc. is organized around the longstanding and successful tradition of community sports programs that address holistic well being at the neighborhood level to shape Champions for Life! Engagement in any sports activity provides opportunities for social interaction and skill-building within diverse settings. Sports foster pride and increase self-esteem. Sports teach leadership and discipline, and support physical, mental, and social fitness. Through sports, Corner Team, Inc. connects our Champions to local resources, mentors, academic tutoring, economic opportunities, and healthy living strategies that grow tomorrow's leaders and inspire the change we want to see for all.
Founded in 2015 by Professional Boxer, and former Ghanaian, National Champion Michael Gbenga as Corner Team Boxing, we are realizing a greater mission that incorporates sports, community engagement, and social innovation. The new Corner Team, Inc has also expanded our mission beyond a focus on youth to include programs that engage senior citizens and people with disabilities— populations typically overlooked by organized sports programs but equally in need of the benefits that come from active participation in them.
Why are we called the "Corner Team"?
Corner Team was selected as the name for the small, start-up community-boxing program founded by Professional Boxer Michael Gbenga, from which this organization was born. In the sport of boxing, a fighter’s Corner Team serves as the eyes and ears of the fighter, providing strategy, support, and solid decision-making to ensure that a fighter comes out of his/her bout, a Champion.
The symbolism of the Corner Team’s role translates nicely into the mission and vision for Corner Team, Inc. We are here to use sports to engage, build strong minds, bodies, and communities—to ensure that everyone receives the support, tools, and care needed to successfully compete in all challenges faced in life.
What does it mean to be a Corner Team Champion for life?
Everyone who walks through our doors or engages with Corner Team, Inc. are Champions and members of the team! We are inspired by our Champions’ continued pursuit of greatness and support their pursuit through programs and strategic partnerships. In return, we expect our Champions to maintain a level of greatness that allows them to succeed at any challenge they face and in so doing, inspire their families, peers, and surrounding neighborhoods.
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Our Corner Team Champions exhibit confidence that they can excel in anything they choose to take on because:
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Our Champions are successful in school, in their studies, and carry a thirst for life-long learning
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Our Champions make informed and positive decisions about their health and holistic well being
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Our Champions serve as positive leaders among their peers and within their communities.
Who is part of the Corner Team?
The Corner Team is made up of more than our Champions and organization staff. The Corner Team consists of the entire network of support that ensures the success of our Champions and our programs—our families and friends, our volunteers, community partners, financial donors, and city officials. The Corner Team consists of our neighbors who come out to cheer us on when we pass through the streets, celebrate with us at our events, and reach out to our Champions to let them know that they are proud of their accomplishments!
OUR TEAM
Corner Team, Inc. staff and volunteers are experts in their fields and bring decades of experience in competitive sports training and coaching, education, mentorship, youth leadership, and program development. Corner Team, Inc. is governed by its Board of Directors according to the organization's Articles of Incorporation and By-laws. We are a diverse group of talented and committed partners, dedicated to ensuring the success of this organization.
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Program Staff
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Board of Directors
Miller Roberts, III
Board President
Bio Updated Shortly
Landon White
Secretary
Bio Updated Shortly
DJ Nash
Board Member
Bio Updated Shortly
Brooke Haycock
Board Member
Bio Updated Shortly
Shamara Thomas
Secretary
Shamara Thomas, is an aspiring clinical Social Worker in her final year of grad school at Morgan State University, completing her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Urban Youth and Families. Shamara is a Baltimore native, and has been involved in community revitalization and outreach for the past 5 years serving in several capacities such as community outreach coordinator for Central Baltimore Partnership, constituent services director for City Council - District 12, facilitation of community gatherings, and volunteering at several local community events. She currently works as a mental health counselor for an outpatient mental health organization Lifting Stigmas, Changing Lives. Shamara has a passion to serve her hometown of Baltimore city, particularly its youth. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends. "I am thrilled to be a part of Corner Team's board and am happy to assist in any way that I can."
Becky Thomson
Board Member
Bio Updated Shortly
Our Board of Directors bring a vast range of knowledge and experience to the task of governing the our organization.