Louis d'Almeida, founder of Gauchos Gym at 149th Street and Gerard Avenue, is no stranger to going it alone. And he's ready for it again.
The Department of Youth Services, which supplied funding to the gym, was not listed in the city's proposed budget last week -- throwing its programs in jeopardy. Yet d'Almeida remained resolute.
"You have to rise to the occasion," d'Almeida said. To make up the difference, he said, he will increase his private fund raising.
In fact, his eight-year-old, $2 million gym -- with fiberglass backboards, electronic scoring system, and NBA-regulation hardwood floor -- was built with private funding.
"I can't fault Giuliani because a lot of other areas are getting cut, too," d'Almeida said. "I suppose he's acting responsibly."
The Gauchos, which has served thousands of South Bronx youngsters since its start 25 years ago, has generated players like Milwaukee Buck Ed Pinckney, Portland Trail Blazer Rod Strickland and current St. John's standout Felipe Lopez.
--Kenneth Aaron