Orlando magic: Omari Jones puts hometown youth on the path to purpose

Fresh off the back of his third consecutive professional victory last weekend in Frisco, Texas, Omari Jones headed straight back to where his journey began – not to celebrate, but to invest in the next generation.

The 22-year-old Olympic bronze medallist and rising star hosted his first Dream in Motion Camp at School of Hard Knocks Boxing Academy in Orlando, welcoming over 50 local kids for two unforgettable days of coaching, character-building and community.

The camp – delivered with the support of USA Boxing and a number of local partners – provided boys and girls aged 8-17 with technical boxing instruction, motivational talks, full training gear and practical resources to help them thrive in and out of the ring. Sessions focused not only on physical fitness, but also on mindset, resilience and building long-term aspirations.

Crucially, the camp also carried a strong back-to-school message, with each participant receiving backpacks, stationery and supplies to set them up for the new academic year – reflecting Jones’ own passion for education, which he continues to pursue alongside his pro boxing career.

“I’ve always had the support I needed, but not every kid is that lucky,” said Jones.

“This is about making sure no one feels left out or left behind – in sport, in school or in life. If I’m in a position to help, I have a responsibility to do just that,” he continued.

“It’s easy to get distracted when you’re young, especially in today’s world. I want to show these kids that discipline and ambition can take you places – whether that’s through boxing or any other dream they have.”

Jones’ commitment to his community is more than a one-off. The Dream in Motion Camp marked the first official activity under his soon-to-launch Omari Jones Dollar and a Dream Foundation – a charitable initiative focused on supporting young people in Orlando through sports, education and mentorship.

“This Foundation is about putting something lasting in place for the next generation,” Jones added.

“I want to build something that keeps opening doors for years to come.”

The camp was hosted at School of Hard Knocks, the same gym where Jones first trained as a youngster – and for founder and head coach Jason Galarza, seeing Omari return as a mentor was a proud moment.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Omari,” said Galarza.

“He’s still just 22, but the way he carries himself, and the heart he shows for his people, is way beyond his years,” he continued.

“He hasn’t forgotten where he came from – and the kids feel that. They connect with him. We’re already working on a follow-up Winter Camp in December to keep the momentum going.”

Alex Le Guével, Matchroom’s Head of Community Development, praised Jones as a standout role model.

“Omari is a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose. He’s not only delivering in the ring – he’s also showing how athletes can drive meaningful change at grassroots level,” said Le Guével.

“The pride he takes in giving back to his community is infectious, and his authenticity is what makes his message so powerful. We’re incredibly proud to support fighters like him, who embody what Matchroom in the Community is all about.”

With his professional boxing career gathering pace and his Foundation now taking shape, Omari Jones continues to turn dreams into action – proving that champions are defined by more than what they do between the ropes.