Fight week kicked off in Toronto on Tuesday that featured UFC stars helping youth centres throughout the community. UFC lightweight Sam Stout made an appearance at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre, instructing some of his moves to aspiring fighters.
According to CTV.ca, the Cabbage Youth Centre is the first place in Canada that will receive funds from UFC works program. UFC Director of Canadian operations, Tom Wright was one of the UFC employees in attendance.
"In celebration of UFC 129 we've made an initial contribution to UFC Community Works of $129,000 on a nation-wide program," Wright said.
The classes at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre are designed to give back to kids who are living in at-risk neighborhoods.
Spiros Papathanasakis, a representative of the youth centre, said it's an opportunity for kids who attend to have structure in their lives and in return, they receive the confidence to become better people. While the youth centre is currently experiencing some financial problems, the UFC will donate $10,000 to buy equipment.
Along with contributing to Toronto's communities, the UFC will look to contribute to the city's economy. UFC 129, which takes place at the Rogers Centre, sold out within minutes and it is expected to generate $30-$40 million dollars. The event will have 55,000 fans in attendance, the largest in mixed martial arts history.
Other UFC-related events are to follow later this week in anticipation of this weekend's event, including a press conference on Wednesday, a party on Younge-Dundas Square on Thursday and a UFC Expo on Friday.
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