Steven Giampapa, Massachusetts state champion in wrestling, decided to take on one of the toughest kids he’s ever faced. His opponent is 16-year-old Daniel, who has Down syndrome and has been sitting on the sidelines chomping at the bit, waiting to battle his first opponent. Daniel probably wasn’t expecting to draw the Massachusetts state champion but he did.
Daniel fearlessly entered the lions den to battle his opponent Steven. Daniel displayed excellent wrestling technique when he got Steven in a front headlock and quickly got behind and scored a takedown. Then, Daniel immediately through in the legs the old-school way, I’m talking about Pennsylvania and East Coast style leg ride. Which is becoming very popular in today’s UFC fighting.
In the end, after a hard-fought battle, Daniel’s hand was raised in victory against the kid with the biggest heart in the world.
That is why MMA refuge’s star wrestler of the week goes to Daniel Gill. We also elect Steven as second star of the week for his selfless choice to put his record on the line to become the perfect opponent for a young man with down syndrome. At MMA refuge we are equally proud of Daniel and Steven. These two young men exude the spirit and goal for youths at MMA refuge.
Let these two young men be an example of the perfect display of human compassion we need in our society today. There was a great deal of risk to put these two opponents together because they were so different. But these two warriors overcoming diversity against great odds show the world that diversity makes this world a better place.
Peace…Iron Mike
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