Chinese Food and UFC: BoysTown Biannual Event
Mr. Sgro had a vision where kids would be able to hear these fighters stories and be inspired by their hardwork, perseverance and determination.
Twice a year, every year since Mr. Sgro facilitated the relationship between UFC and Boys Town Nevada, the team hosts an event where hundreds of Boys Town youth are catered with food, this year Panda Express joined the mix, and speeches from their favorite fighters. It’s an event that centers around overcoming adversity; in the eyes of these children, a lot of the fighters had to overcome their own personal obstacles. Last year, in 2016, the youth was joined by none other than Chuck Liddell, arguably one of the most famous fighters in the UFC.
Mr. Sgro had a vision where kids would be able to hear these fighters stories and be inspired by their hardwork, perseverance and determination.
No matter what obstacles life presents to a person, for some of these children, teens and families that may mean alcoholism, addiction and social anxiety, it’s always possible to carve a route to success. Fostering positivity was always a main point in the speeches of these fighters. Each fighter gave the kids a personal insight to their story. They talked about their values and how their values helped pushed them along the path to becoming great fighters and champions.
Last year, Matt Hughes and Johnny “Hollywood” Case delivered speeches along with Mr. Lidell; the common element was perseverance. This partnership between UFC and the Boys Town is monumentally important because it shows the Boys Town community that Las Vegas cares; that some of their heroes, fighters that debut on television, care to take the time out of their busy weeks, especially during fight weeks, to come by and hang out with the kids.
“The youth were captivated by the stories of each fighter,” said Lesly Johnson, Boys Town Nevada Development Coordinator. “Just looking at their faces- they were intensely listening and their faces lit up.”
After the presentation, the families and the youth were able to take pictures with fighters, to receive autographs and they were given gift cards and UFC T-Shirts via Mr. Sgro. For Mr. Sgro, the importance of the event is showing these kids that hard-work makes anything possible. Relationships with family members are hard work, schoolwork and academia are equally challenging; no matter what the area of life is, good things take time and effort. Adversity may be overwhelming, but it is no excuse for not eventually leading a good, positive lifestyle.