Anti-violence event Saturday bringing kids, cops together

VOORHEESVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A local gym owner plans to give back in a unique way at an anti-violence event he’s organized. It’s bringing youth and police officers together at Jennings Landing on Saturday.

Inside of iGrind365 you’ll find Owner Matthias McKinnon. He overcame a learning disability and went on to get a degree in criminal justice and business marketing. Now, he’s putting that background to work as he organizes a backpack giveaway and a law enforcement bench-off.

“I want to change what I could change through what I love,” said McKinnon.

McKinnon said putting together the “Capital Build Up the Community” event has combined two of his passions, working with youth and fitness. He grew up on 2nd and Judd in Albany and found football at a young age.

“It helped me stay out the streets around a lot of violence I grew up in,” said McKinnon. 

He was coached and mentored by the Albany Deputy Chief of Police.

“Vince Foley, when I came to football, he really tested your character and really tested who you wanted to be and I feel like you need that test. You get knocked down, you get back up,” said McKinnon.

He went on to play D1 football at Wagner, in Staten Island, and is thankful for his law enforcement mentors.

“That has been a blessing to have people like that in my life, with the area I grew up in,” said McKinnon.

To give back to the community in a different way he organized the anti-violence event taking place Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

“A lot of the news and the way Albany is portrayed is not good. obviously a lot of violence and bad influence,” said McKinnon.

Aside from the police officer bench-off, they will give away 300 backpacks to kids. McKinnon said he wants to promote positive community interactions.

He wants to see his vision through and expand his business. He’s looking at locations for a second gym.