Hayabusa and Merging Vets and Players have partnered to protect those who have protected us. Hayabusa will provide hand wraps and boxing gloves to members of MVP, a program designed to provide a crucial support system for military veterans and retired professional athletes.

Hayabusa has done more than cause ripples in the boxing industry. They’ve created waves. The company has set forth on a mission to inspire people to be better, healthier, and stronger through combat fitness. A new partnership with Merging Vets and Players (MVP) is just adding to the surge.

This back to school season, Hayabusa will donate a pair of hand wraps to MVP for every order placed between August 26 to September 8. The mission is to donate 600 hand wraps to the four chapters (Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Atlanta) of the program. Once sales have surpassed the 600 mark, Hayabusa will give additional boxing gloves to MVP.

After being approached by Merging Vets and Players and listening to the stories of the men and women involved with this ground-breaking program, it was an easy decision to join forces with the Hollywood, California based organization.

MVP sought a partner that not only produces durable and top-quality equipment to protect its members but also believed in the mission of making people better, healthier, and stronger through combat fitness. That synergy is what makes this partnership special on many levels.

Created in 2015 by NFL analyst Jay Glazer, MVP has a goal of helping military veterans and former professional athletes transition into civilian life after shedding a uniform most have worn for decades. Based at Unbreakable Performance Center in Hollywood, the program features weekly fitness sessions, ending with a huddle where members share their experiences. For some, the skills learned in the military or the sports arena can be difficult to apply outside of the uniform and that’s where MVP steps in to provide a support system.

One of those stories belongs to Marines veteran Denver Morris. He joined the military two months after his 18th birthday and was deployed to Iraq in 2007 and Afghanistan in 2008. Following an honorable discharge, his life went haywire. For a time, drugs, alcohol, and depression clouded most of his decisions. Until one day, which came after several health facility stays, homelessness, and an attempt at suicide, Morris turned his life around. After meeting MVP co-founder Nate Boyer, the pair had lunch where Morris was introduced to MVP and Unbreakable Performance Center. He later joined MVP as a Program Coordinator.

Morris told Vetsandplayers.com: “I now know that transitioning vets and former professional athletes have lost their identity and sense of family. Now my confidence is much stronger, and if I’m having an emotional moment, there’s someone at MVP to help me get back on track.”

Each week, MVP members come together for a 30-minute workout that includes boxing. Once that portion of the sessions ends, the group circles in “The Huddle” where anyone can share their story of struggle, triumph or trying to find their way in this new chapter of life.

There’s a reason Hayabusa has a reputation for having the boxing gloves with the best wrist and hand protection in the industry. Because it’s true. Hayabusa has a history of scrutinizing data to come up with glove designs that not only lasts for an extended period but more importantly, protects each athlete better than any other boxing glove on the market.

Hayabusa’s motivation to partner with Merging Vets and Players is simple: We want to protect those who protect us.

Information from Merging Vets and Players was used in this story: https://www.vetsandplayers.org/success-stories-full/denver