Modelo, UFC, and Rebuilding Together Bring Local Gym Revitalization Efforts in Seattle

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The gym renovation boosts the fighting spirit at Cappy’s Boxing Gym with the help of UFC fighter and Washington native Michael Chiesa

CHICAGO, November 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Modelo, the beer brewed for those with The Fighting Spirit ™, with longtime partner UFC®, the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization, and the national non-profit Rebuilding Together, announced the completion of renovations at Cappy’s Boxing Gym in the Central District of Seattle, Washington. Cappy’s Boxing Gym is the fourth and final gym that Modelo, UFC and Rebuilding Together will be renovating this year as part of their fighting spirit initiative across the country at select gyms that are positive for their communities.

“The work Modelo has done with UFC and Rebuilding Together to revitalize local gyms is an incredible win for everyone involved,” said Rene Ramos, vice president of Lifestyle and Experiential, Sponsorships for Constellation Brands. “We look forward to announcing the next steps for this social impact program to continue our commitment to creating more united, resilient, and prosperous communities.”

UFC welterweight Washington native Michael Chiesa helped with the Cappy’s renovation process. Chiesa won the lightweight tournament during the 15th season of The Ultimate Fighter and was awarded a contract with the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization in 2012. A fan favorite since his Octagon debut, Michael posted an 11-5 record and is currently number 1 7th in the welterweight division.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to be part of the revitalization of a company that supports athletes in my home state,” said UFC welterweight Michael Chiesa. “The work Modelo and UFC are doing will help a new generation embrace their fighting spirit and feel inspired to go out and make their dreams come true – no matter what challenges they face.”

The story goes on

Founded in 1999, Cappy’s Boxing Gym has been a popular Seattle institution for decades, providing community members with a safe space for training and boxing lessons while improving overall fitness. Focused on creating a positive environment in which athletes of all backgrounds can grow physically and mentally, Cappy’s offers scholarships to cover membership fees and hosts free public workouts in local parks. Additionally, the gym recently launched a program with an emerging nonprofit, Minority Veterans of America, to offer dedicated classes for veterans focused on health and wellness.

“Boxing is much more than just physical fitness,” says Mike Priebe, owner of Cappy’s Boxing Gym. “When I took over Cappy’s, my job was to help athletes develop gym skills that could help them in real-life scenarios. The work that Modelo, UFC and Rebuilding Together are doing for us will help take this mission to the next level. “

As the pandemic hit the Seattle area hard and forced the gym to close in-person classes, Cappy quickly adapted to offering virtual classes on a pay-what-you-can model to its members throughout the lockdown continue to use. Funding provided by Modelo and UFC helped Priebe make up for lost revenue during the pandemic, and he was able to get a local artist to paint murals on the gym’s walls and get new gear like heavy bags, gloves, and focus shields and gloves.

“The completion of the Seattle project marks the fourth successful gym revitalization initiative with Modelo and UFC,” said Caroline Blakely, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “It’s incredible that we have been able to do so much good for local communities across the country through small businesses that are critical to the health and general well-being of residents.”

This community-based initiative coincides with the extension of the ongoing partnership between Modelo and UFC, which Modelo established for the first time in 2018 as the “Official Beer of the UFC”.

“UFC is excited to extend our partnership with Modelo, a great brand that shares our unmatched commitment to a passionate fan base,” said Paul Asencio, UFC senior vice president of Global Partnerships. “We are excited about the work we have done this year to modernize gyms and inspire athletes across the country, and look forward to seeing the next generation of fighters from these communities.”

The Gym Revitalization Program is another proud step for Modelo in its ongoing commitment to nurturing the fighting spirit in communities across the country. Model has donated funds to reduce military veterans’ educational debts, funded basic supplies, equipment and resources to protect health workers during the pandemic, and supported COVID-19 relief programs and related loans for small businesses.

About Modelo®
Modelo was born in 1925 in the small town of Tacuba, Mexico and has since brought distinctive, high-quality beer to people, including Modelo Especial®, Modelo Negra®, Modelo Chelada Especial ™, Modelo Chelada Tamarindo Picante ™, Modelo Chelada Limón y Sal ™ and Modelo Chelada Mango y Chile ™. Modelo Especial is a golden, full-bodied pilsner-style lager with a clean, crisp finish, whose original recipe was first brewed with the vision of creating a “model” beer. As the number 1 imported beer in the US, Modelo Especial surpassed 150 million cases sold in 2021. The Modelo beers are brewed, imported and marketed exclusively by Constellation Brands for the USA.

About UFC®
UFC® is the world’s leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas in the world and broadcasts them to nearly 900 million television households in more than 170 countries. The UFC athlete roster includes the world’s best MMA athletes from more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for martial arts. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC on Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About rebuilding together®
Rebuilding Together is the leading national not-for-profit organization repairing the homes of people in need and revitalizing our communities. Through its national network of affiliates, Rebuilding Together works proactively and collaboratively with community leaders, long-term residents, donors and volunteers to promote dialogue and create safe, healthy communities across the country. Find out more and get involved at rebuildingtogether.org.

Media contacts:

Elisabeth McClure

Elisabeth.McClure@ketchum.com

Stephanie McGuane

Stephanie.McGuane@cbrands.com

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https://finance.yahoo.com/news/modelo-ufc-rebuilding-together-bring-140000052.html