While flipping through channels trying to find something interesting to watch, I stumbled across a story on ESPN that caught my eye. The story itself has been raising some controversy and interest; It talked about a MMA fighter named Garrett "G-Money" Holeve, who fights with, and for more than just his opponents in the ring.
Garrett has to battle with Down syndrome and has become an advocate and a symbol for people with his situation to compete in the sport in which he loves. Garrett started to gain interest in MMA when his father dared his sons to join him in taking part of the workouts in their gym (he was the only one who took it) and ever since then has become engulfed into the sport. He trains children and even took and took on the task of training a person with Down syndrome, and also trains to fight.
He went through years of training just like any other fighter, but due to his disability had some fights that weren’t taken seriously with fear of his endangerment and may in fact be described as soft. He never got his TRUE fight until February 23, 2013 when he faced off against an opponent that would help him realize and get what he has always wanted. With similar stature and weight "Monster" Mike Wilson agreed to fight Garrett and didn’t disappoint and gave him a great fight. The battle concluded in a draw with both fighters getting their hands raised at end and out of respect cheered for each other along with the crowd.
He went through years of training just like any other fighter, but due to his disability had some fights that weren’t taken seriously with fear of his endangerment and may in fact be described as soft. He never got his TRUE fight until February 23, 2013 when he faced off against an opponent that would help him realize and get what he has always wanted. With similar stature and weight "Monster" Mike Wilson agreed to fight Garrett and didn’t disappoint and gave him a great fight. The battle concluded in a draw with both fighters getting their hands raised at end and out of respect cheered for each other along with the crowd.
Although everything went well, there was still a mixed reaction from people about whether or not he should be able to compete. Some people look at his disability and think he shouldn’t because he may get hurt, but my personal opinion his that he should be allowed to fight. He is able to understand what may happen and he enjoys doing it, so who is able to tell him he can’t do it.
I believe the video may help people change their ways of thinking as it did mine. If someone would have asked me if I thought he should before I seen the video I probably would have said no. Now, I’m in favor of what Garrett is trying to promote, which is to get MMA inputted into the Special Olympics for able fighters (which will vary).
Heres the ESPN story seen click the link to view:
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I hope you will support his wishes or just cheer him on and give encouragement; maybe changing your mindset in the process.
Help support Garrett's fight:
I hope you will support his wishes or just cheer him on and give encouragement; maybe changing your mindset in the process.
Help support Garrett's fight:
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