The fifth annual Gloves Over Guns boxing event was held Saturday, Aug. 2, at Varina High School, bringing together amateur and elite-level fighters for an afternoon of competition with a deeper purpose — to help prevent youth gun violence.

Organized by In My Corner Inc., in partnership with Henrico County and the Varina High School athletic department, the event drew a crowd of supporters, including families, local officials and community advocates. Attendees were treated to boxing matches in several divisions, from youth as young as 9 to adult competitors, along with food trucks, vendors and access to community resources.

Firearms are the leading cause of death in children and youth ages 0 to 24 years of age in the U.S., according to a report from the National Institutes of Health.

“Youth gun violence is an epidemic in our communities,” said Elwood Patterson, founder of In My Corner and owner of East End Boxing Club in Sandston. “We’re helping youth find healthy coping skills. Gloves Over Guns gives youth an opportunity to learn conflict resolution inside the ring.”

The event hosted bouts in multiple divisions, ranging from a Pee Wee 9- to 10-year-old division to an elite division for adults.

 Noah Ricketts, in the blue corner, takes on Alan Reyes in bout eight of the junior male division.
 

In My Corner focuses on mentoring, parent coaching, youth sports and mental health support for young people across Central and Eastern Virginia.

Through its partnership with East End Boxing Club, the organization offers training in boxing fundamentals while promoting discipline and emotional wellness.

“We want to make sure that our youth have alternative activities to guns, drugs and street life,” said Dawn Cherry, program director of In My Corner. “Boxing is one of those things that they can do that’s an alternative, but it’s also a way to redirect negative emotions and gain discipline.”

The event also provided a space for families affected by gun violence to learn about available support, including grief counseling and therapeutic services.

“We want to be able to show the parents that have been affected by gun violence that there are other resources out here,” Patterson said.