By Susie Moore & Anne White
Greenwich is abuzz with anticipation for Glove Up Greenwich, a unique community event from Greenwich MMA. Greenwich’s own Kastriot Xhema and Michael Vranos are ready to introduce the inaugural Glove Up Greenwich charity boxing event taking place on September 30.
Transforming the idyllic Roger Sherman Baldwin Park into an epicenter of community connection and sport once again, this debut event isn’t just about nine USA Boxing-sanctioned bouts. Alongside the boxing ring, the park will feature a jumbotron, spectator seating, VIP spaces, food trucks, beverage stands, and exhibitor tents enveloped in the spirit of camaraderie.
First Selectman Fred Camillo, a longtime supporter of youth sports and community events, expressed his enthusiasm for Glove Up Greenwich, “Kas is my good friend, and I’m very supportive of him, his efforts, and certainly of this event.”
Community engagement lies at the heart of Glove Up Greenwich. The event has partnered with five local nonprofit organizations: The Rowan Center, Greenwich United Way, Greenwich Emergency Medical Services, Byram Volunteer Fire Department, and Glenville Volunteer Fire Company. This partnership reflects Glove Up Greenwich’s mission of equipping the community with tools and support needed to navigate life’s challenges.
“Boxing is empowering… It’s channeling a lot of trauma and energy into something that’s super positive…The biggest misconception about boxing is that it’s violent. I don’t think it’s violent per se. I think that when I look at people who are good at martial arts and boxing, what I see is that they are very disciplined and they’re very respectful people,” said Sharon Walker Epps, Board Chair of The Rowan Center.
“I’m looking forward to great weather, a lot of people, great bouts, and a lot of money being raised to help the most vulnerable of our community,” said David Rabin, CEO of Greenwich United Way, aligning perfectly with the event’s ethos.
Inviting participation from all quarters of the town, Glove Up Greenwich’s official line-up will include local fighters, where neighbors to go head-to-head in the ring for a great cause.
“Boxing completely redirected my life after being at my lowest. The sport taught me resilience and gave me healthy coping skills. Growing up in Greenwich, I saw firsthand how young people in our community can easily lose their way. I want Glove Up Greenwich to be a force for social impact in our town, promoting mental wellness and giving kids a positive athletic outlet,” explained Kastriot Xhema, Co-founder of Glove Up Greenwich.
David Rabin, CEO of Greenwich United Way, expresses a similar sentiment about Xhema: “When I first met Kas I saw someone who wanted redemption, who wanted to make up for some things that perhaps didn’t go the way he wanted them to in his life. And he’s come to a point now where he wants to do right by the town he grew up in…And I think that’s where we’re at here with Glove Up Greenwich and Kas.”
As a family-friendly event, all ages are welcome at Glove Up Greenwich. The invitation also extends to non-residents, illustrating that community spirit knows no borders.
Participation is not limited to buying tickets. Local community members can get involved as sponsors, volunteers, and donors. The founders have collaborated closely with all five nonprofits to determine the impact that Glove Up Greenwich can make on their organizations.
For more information and to secure information about tickets, visit www.gloveupgreenwich.com. As a true symbol of community spirit and resilience, Glove Up Greenwich is an event created for Greenwich, by Greenwich. It promises an unforgettable autumn afternoon that merges sport, community connection, and charitable cause all in one ring.
