17th Gleason’s Gym Fantasy Camp Receives RAVE REVIEW From Arizona Couple

Elizabeth Taylor and John Nametz, age 60 and 72, respectively, have been wanting to experience boxing, since becoming friends with Gleason's boxing boss Bruce Silverglade, who runs the famed and fabled fight factory.

Sages know that Gleason's is cheaper and more effective than therapy, and a more pure moral atmosphere than a church…

The retired University of Arizona administrators are married, have one daughter and are avid conservationalists, outdoor people, motorcyclers, and also neighbors with Bruce and his missus Jo at their Tucson home.

“We are huge fans of Bruce and Jo and we have been wanting to go to camp for several years. We believe in the work of Give A Kid A Dream and also wanted to experience boxing.”

John and Liz ditched the fancier garb and wore sporting attire as they learned more about what makes fighters succeed at Gleason's fantasy camp, Aug. 8-11, 2019.

They are not really BOXING fans – only through Bruce….”We are interested but not big fans – although after meeting Heather Hardy and a few others, we are much more intrigued.”

The camp unfurled its 17 edition Aug. 8, and, I wondered how did day one strike Liz and John?

“We were a little intimidated – we are not boxers and there were clearly some serious passions going on here,” she admitted.

Even if she didn't know a Hector Roca, Mark Breland or Iran Barkley, she could sense their pedigree, and the passionate determination held by campers. For the record, about 100 people did the camp, Silverglades' biggest turnout ever. The Gleason's Gym fantasy camp event ran at Honor's Haven Resort, in Ellenville, NY.

I put Liz on the spot…what was her favorite moment from the Aug. 8-11 getaway? “Talking to (young boxer) Tommy Martinez about his dreams and goals and why he helps the program. Very inspirational and gives me hope in humans! What surprised us most about the camp outing was the seriousness of the training, and learning what it takes to be a boxer in terms of dedication to training, physical conditioning, and the thinking that goes into it. Boxers may be the most conditioned athletes in the world. It takes brains to do this and planning, not to mention the drive to put it on the line.”

Bruce, John and Liz are neighbors, buddies…and they bonded even more firmly when the Arizona residents attended the 2019 fantasy camp.

And would Liz and John recommend this expereince to others, in Tucson, or Texas, or Tanzania?

“Yes – you can get in great condition even if you never want to spar at the Gleason's Gym fantasy camp. Going to camp not only is fun but lets you see what kids are capable of if given the right opportunities. Through a good friendship we were able to experience another world and see that a village of people really can make a difference in a life. It’s not just Bruce that helps these kids – so many people came together to pull this weekend together. It takes so much dedication, organization and passion to put these camps on. Theresa, Anthony, Liza, Jackie, all the trainers, Paul. They give their time and spirit to making an amazing event – we were honored to watch this team and be part of it!”