Ryan Gallagher, of Saranac Lake, spars at the ADK Boxing and Fitness Gym in Lake Placid in 2024. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

LAKE PLACID — Adirondack Boxing and Fitness is starting a new plan to get Adirondack communities active, socially and physically, with a unique take on speed dating: a singles boxing mixer.

The event will take place at ADK Boxing, located at 2049 Saranac Ave, Suite 201 in Lake Placid, on Saturday, Aug. 30, 6 to 8 p.m.

“We feel that man communities here in the Adirondack Park are still recovering physically and socially from the pandemic, and we want to help with fitness and well-being,” ADK boxing board member Madeline Clark said. “It can be isolating living in the park sometimes. With the growth of remote work and the presence of seasonal as well as hospitality workers, we have also seen an influx of young professionals join the gym that are looking to meet new people. What better way to facilitate that than with a social mixer?”

The event is intended to be part of a larger effort by the board to get people of all ages interested in boxing.

“We aren’t just punching bags here,” Clark said. “We are teaching self-defence, help kids learn how to be healthy and keep older folks in shape.”

The event aims to teach novices the basics of boxing fitness and offer opportunities to chat with potential new friends or romantic prospects with a safe but fun twist. Participants will pay $10 at the door and all equipment and refreshments are provided. All members of the public over the age of 18 are welcome.

For more information on ADK boxing, visit tinyurl.com/ymffbp8a. To sign up for this event, visit tinyurl.com/2ksp8hrm.