Helped by city leaders and a $10,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Lynn Economic and Community Development Office, the Rivera Brothers, Alex, Andy, and Albert, have moved their gym from its former location on the Lynnway to a two-story building on Columbia Avenue off Eastern Avenue in Lynn.

City Councilor Rick Ford has been instrumental in the gym, maintaining a site in the city for aspiring boxers. The Lynn Lions Club and other local organizations also helped make the move possible.

“It’s been a slow process and we’re still moving in and finishing off renovations to the facility,” said Ford. “The owner [Dave Potter] of this building has been very nice to the Riveras. He loves boxing and he’s been very supportive of the move. We just outgrew the other gym.”

Ford also credited Joe Wall of the GE Good Neighbor Fund for an $8,000 donation that will pay for the boxing rings.

Alex Rivera said he’s excited about the new gym that has become a popular training spot for area youth, amateur and professional boxers.

“We’re very happy with our new space,” said Rivera. “We have a much larger area than our previous location. It’s nice and comfortable, so we’re happy.”

Rivera said that the city – from Mayor Edward J. “Chip” Clancy Jr. to the City Council to various departments – has been very supportive of the gym since its inception.

“We have all these guardian angels like Rick Ford and Joe Wall and people at City Hall,” said Rivera. “They’re helping us out tremendously.”

Monthly memberships to the boxing gym are available.