Joe Hand Jr., a 1976 graduate of La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor and president of Joe Hand Productions, was featured by The Philadelphia Inquirer today for helping to create a Police Athletic League boxing program in honor of his parents, both of whom served as Philadelphia police officers.
According to the story, his mother, Margaret, and his father, Joe Hand Sr., the late boxing entrepreneur with ties to Joe Frazier, encouraged him to give back to his community decades ago.
The father and son team opened Joe Hand Boxing Gym in 1995, a then-Philadelphia-based training center and community resource for kids. The non-profit gym and Joe Hand Promotions moved to Feasterville in 2020, at which point the Hands launched “classes for people with Parkinson’s disease, breast cancer, and children with special needs, among others”, The Inquirer said.
The Police Athletic League, a brainchild of Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran, launched earlier this month and features classes aimed at breaking down barriers between youth and law enforcement. From the county’s announcement:
This collaborative initiative provides a positive, structured environment for young people in Bucks County, fostering discipline, confidence, and self-esteem through the sport of boxing – all while promoting positive interaction between youth and law enforcement.
The Joe Hand Boxing Gym, founded by retired Philadelphia police detective and boxing promoter Joe Hand Sr., has a rich history of empowering individuals through boxing and fitness. Since its relocation to a new 6,000 sq. ft. facility in 2020, the gym has expanded its focus to support individuals facing unique challenges, while maintaining its core commitment to community engagement.
“We are incredibly proud to launch our first PAL program with such a respected and community-focused partner as the Joe Hand Boxing Gym,” Harran said in a statement. “This youth program is more than just learning a sport; it’s about building character, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating a safe space where young people can thrive and interact positively with law enforcement officers. The creation and successful launch of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office PAL program a testament to our dedication to investing in the future of our youth and strengthening community ties throughout the county.”
“For decades, the Joe Hand Boxing Gym has been a sanctuary for young people, instilling values that extend far beyond the ring,” Hand, Jr. said in a statement. “Partnering with the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office PAL allows us to expand our reach and offer this vital program to more youth in Bucks County. We believe in the transformative power of boxing to teach discipline, respect, and resilience, and we are excited to work alongside the Sheriff’s Office to make a real difference in these young lives.”
Hand Sr. passed away in August 2024. Hand Jr., a basketball standout, was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. To learn more about the Joe Hand Boxing Gym, visit: https://joehandgym.com/
For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.
Photos: Joe Hand Productions, LinkedIn