KIDWCKED
08-14-2010, 10:49 PM
c/p from Sportsnet By Joe Ferraro
On a personal front, August 14, 2010 will be a date I will never forget.
For the past 12 years, I have done my part to try and help educate anyone that would listen about the beauties of my number one passion -- Mixed Martial Arts. Part of my plight was speaking with politicians, and after over a decade of eliminating the sport's stereotypes, my home province has finally turned the corner and has decided to move forward with legalizing the sport in Ontario.
As I write this article, I am experiencing a heightened sensation that sees my eye sight as blurry, veins pumping with adrenaline while smiling ear to ear. I knew this day would come but I never anticipated the emotional rush. Many of my close friends, colleagues, peers and family members are calling this my own personal victory, comparing to having my hand raised in a title fight.
But the real thanks has to be given to organizations like the UFC and the thousands of fans that support the sport in Ontario. My resources and lobbying efforts pale in comparison to what Dana White and company did to get this done. Hiring the esteemed lobbyist firm Cassels and Brock -- and specifically Noble Chummar -- who worked tirelessly to educate the provincial powers-that-be, that MMA is a real sport, filled with professional athletes who have the right to compete in front of consumers who also have the right to watch and pay for what they want.
On a personal front, August 14, 2010 will be a date I will never forget.
For the past 12 years, I have done my part to try and help educate anyone that would listen about the beauties of my number one passion -- Mixed Martial Arts. Part of my plight was speaking with politicians, and after over a decade of eliminating the sport's stereotypes, my home province has finally turned the corner and has decided to move forward with legalizing the sport in Ontario.
As I write this article, I am experiencing a heightened sensation that sees my eye sight as blurry, veins pumping with adrenaline while smiling ear to ear. I knew this day would come but I never anticipated the emotional rush. Many of my close friends, colleagues, peers and family members are calling this my own personal victory, comparing to having my hand raised in a title fight.
But the real thanks has to be given to organizations like the UFC and the thousands of fans that support the sport in Ontario. My resources and lobbying efforts pale in comparison to what Dana White and company did to get this done. Hiring the esteemed lobbyist firm Cassels and Brock -- and specifically Noble Chummar -- who worked tirelessly to educate the provincial powers-that-be, that MMA is a real sport, filled with professional athletes who have the right to compete in front of consumers who also have the right to watch and pay for what they want.