Despite the laws against disability discrimination, many people in this position find that they are being held back by another party. A 24-year-old MMA fighter is in this position, claiming that his biggest opponents are not inside the ring but instead outside.
The man has hired an attorney, and with the help of fans and family member he plans on taking his fight to the Florida State Boxing Commission as well as other organizations that are getting in his way of reaching his goals.
Last year, right before he was set to fight a man with cerebral palsy, the boxing commission stepped in and put a stop to it. The man’s father said, “This is a fair match-up. We think that their limitations kind of offset themselves.”
In addition to many years of training at Weston-based American Top Team martial-arts academy, he has fought in a variety of soft-exhibition events.
Along with his personal fight against the Florida State Boxing Commission, the man has the backing of the National Down Syndrome Society, with the organization issuing a statement saying it “stands behind Garrett Holeve … in his right to compete in Mixed Martial Arts.”
Some people face disability discrimination at their place of employment, while others deal with this as they attempt to get involved in extracurricular activities, such as MMA fighting, which has potential financial and personal rewards. In the event that you are discriminated against, you have the right to fight for your rights. In many cases, this means filing a lawsuit against the employer or organization in question.
Source: WRCB TV, “MMA fighter with Down syndrome sues to get back in the ring” Jul. 20, 2014
