FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:   Brie Turek (407) 246-3106
On-site at (407) 383-2073
Laura Bornfreund (407) 246-3423

HOMEGROWN ORLANDO ATHLETE, MAYOR DYER AND MAYOR PAGE DISTRICT 6 COMMISSIONER
TO VISIT NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER

City of Orlando Extends Rommel “Tank” Rene A Unique Congrats as He Goes “Pro” and Inspires Local Children at Smith Center Summer Camp

WHAT: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Mayor Ernest Page, District 6 Commissioner, will recognize a homegrown City athlete for his dedication and extraordinary accomplishments as he prepares to make his Pro boxing debut this fall.

With more than 100 children ages 5 – 14 at the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center’s summer camp, Rommel “Tank” Rene, 19 years old, will share his story about achieving his dreams of becoming a Pro boxer. Not only did he accomplish this goal, but also he did it while making good grades in school.

During his youth, he expanded his martial abilities from Sho-To-Kan karate to kickboxing and boxing, and attended William Frangus Elementary School, Robinswood Middle School and Olympia High School.

At the age of 12, Rommel entered his first kickboxing match and scored a 3rd round knockout over a 24-year old man. More recently, Rommel’s accomplishments include:

• 2005 – National Golden Gloves “Tournament of Champions”
  Light Heavyweight Title Belt Champion

• 2004 – National PAL Championship
  Light Heavyweight Title Belt Champion

• 2004 – Eastern Olympic Trials
  Silver Medalist

• 2003 – Outstanding Athlete of the Year Award, Florida Sports Commission

• 2003 –U.S. Men’s Open Boxing Championship
  Silver Medalist at age 16

Rommel fought on the U.S. Elite Men’s Boxing Team participating in International Competition in countries including Canada, Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Russia. Rommel’s amateur record stands at 76 wins, with 41 of those as knockouts and only 10 losses.

WHO: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
Mayor Ernest Page, District 6 Commissioner
Rommel “Tank” Rene
More than 100 children ages 5 – 14 attending Smith Center Summer Camp

WHEN: Friday, July 22nd
10:15 – 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center
1723 Bruton Boulevard

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