Hattie Hess, Vice President of Marketing and Communications of United Way of Broward County; Chris Knapik, Strategic Planning Manager of United Way of Broward County; Howard Davis Jr., Co-owner of Fight Time Promotions & 1976 Boxing Olympic Gold Medalist; Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Way of Broward County with and Dan Kearns, Senior Vice President & COO of United Way of Broward County
FORT LAUDERDALE – MISSION UNITED, a critical new program created by United Way of Broward County and American Red Cross supporting US military service members, veterans and their families in Broward County by helping them re-acclimate to civilian life, announced today that it has teamed up with Fight Time Promotions, a full service Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and sports entertainment company based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to help build greater awareness of MISSION UNITED and the services it has to offer military veterans in the area.
As part of the alliance, MISSION UNITED will have a considerable presence at three upcoming Fight Time Pro MMA fights being held at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale on June 21st, August 23rd and November 1st. During the events, the non-profit organization will display promotional signage and have a booth with representatives who will educate guests and distribute collateral materials outlining the support and services MISSION UNITED offers to military veterans, service members and their families. A MISSION UNITED PSA will also be looped on Fight Time Pro MMA's big screens between fight rounds. Fight Time Promotions is partnering with MISSION UNITED as part of its ongoing philanthropic efforts in the community and support of local military veterans.
"We are so pleased Fight Time Promotions is helping us promote MISSION UNITED's programs and services at upcoming events," said Kathleen Cannon, President and CEO of United Way of Broward County. "It is critical veterans know MISSION UNITED is here to help them with any challenges they may face after returning from service."
MMA, a full contact sport that uses a mix of kick-boxing, wrestling and jiu-jitsu is the fastest growing sport in the world and has become very popular among military veterans in the last couple of years. Some veterans use MMA training as a physical outlet for stress and others have used it to cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and additional issues involving the uneasy transition back to civilian life.
According to Jeffrey Matloff, Senior Psychologist and PTSD Specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Diego, "As long as veterans learn self-control and not to use their skills outside the context of sports, a martial arts approach can help restore self-confidence and focus." Many MMA techniques are similar to the training soldiers receive during boot camp and camaraderie is highly valued among both soldiers and MMA team members.
"Having witnessed firsthand family members who have struggled with adapting back into the community after returning from serving in the military," said Howard Davis Jr., co-owner of Fight Time Promotions and 1976 Boxing Olympic Gold Medalist. "It is an amazing opportunity to partner with MISSION UNITED and show veterans we appreciate their service to our country and support them."
To purchase tickets to upcoming Fight Time Promotions Pro MMA fights, please visit www.fighttimepromotions.com. Military veterans will receive a special discounted ticket price of $20 per person. Veterans and military personnel must purchase their tickets at the War Memorial Auditorium box office and show their military I.D. to redeem the offer. General Admission tickets cost $35. Reserved seats range from $45 to $75.
About MISSION UNITED
MISSION UNITED is a new critical program supporting US military service members, veterans and their families in Broward County by helping them re-acclimate to civilian life. Key focus areas include employment, education, health, legal assistance, emergency financial aid, and housing. United Way of Broward County created MISSION UNITED and partnered with American Red Cross align existing military services and create programs where there are gaps in support. For more information on MISSION UNITED, please call 954-4-UNITED or visit www.MissionUnited.org.
About Fight Time Promotions
Fight Time Promotions, LLC is a family-owned full service professional sports entertainment company founded by 1976 Olympic Boxing Gold Medalist, Howard Davis Jr. and his wife Karla Guadamuz-Davis. In 2011, Fight Time Promotions held more Mixed Martial Arts shows than any other fight promotions company in the state of Florida. Fight Time Promotions' world-class professional fights are featured on millions of television households. The "Fight Time" series takes place five times a year in South Florida at the historic War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, please visit www.fighttimepromotions.com.
