EUCLID, Ohio — Little Giants Gym in Euclid has been operating for 10 years, helping children fight obesity through boxing. It is now also adding mental health resources for its members.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said one in seven children ages 3 to 17 has a currently diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition.

Twelve-year-old Tyrese Smith means business when he steps into the ring.

“Boxing, you can’t play games,” Smith said.

Although he’s not the type to lash out now, two years ago Smith began being bullied at school.

Like any child, this had an impact on his mental health, but boxing became his health outlet.

“It helped me in school; it helped me with my anger, chased away anger, helped me with sports at school, helped me with everything and kept my mind on price,” Smith said.

Little Giants Gym founder Calvin Love trains many other kids, just like Smith, who struggle with PTSD, ADHD, bullying and body dysmorphia.

“In order to solve the obesity problem, we had to address the root cause,” Love said.

Partnering with a local mental health agency and licensed therapists, Love is now integrating a new program into the gym’s workout routine called Giant Minds, bridging the gap between the physical and mental health of children ages 6 to 17. someone to talk to, parents can sign their children up for sessions through their insurance or Medicaid plans.

“We’re going to limit the number of kids to 25 and then do an eight-week rotation,” Love said. “So eight weeks on, then two weeks off, then another eight weeks to allow more parents to get involved.”

Love said her gym is a safe space for healing and personal development, whether the problems come from school or home.

“They know they’re not being judged; they know they can be themselves,” Love said. “It’s a safe environment, and by providing that for them, it allows them to open up and really talk about some of the things that challenge them every day.”

Smith said he was ready to start therapy.

“If it has anything to do with boxing, I’m coming,” Smith said.

Children participating in Giant Minds must also register for the Little Giants Gym. For more information on Giant Minds, click here. The pilot program, which will begin as therapy sessions three days a week, will launch on December 16.