Protecting the Legitimacy of Adaptive Athletes

(PRESS RELEASE) -- WHO: Adaptive athlete Daniel Nasca and social brand ‘#TeamNasca’. WHAT: Protecting the legitimacy of adaptive athletes against exploitation. WHY: Recent events showcasing fans/enthusiasts with disabilities participating in staged athletic competition have been gaining popularity in the media and on social networking platforms.

DETAILS: It is a difficult task for adaptive athletes to be taken seriously in competition. This is especially true for adaptive athletes in mixed martial arts (MMA). As a mixed martial artist with cerebral palsy which affects range of motion in my hips and lower extremities I have been compared to adaptive athletes with amputations or athletes with Down’s syndrome. I do not expect every person to understand every disability but I do expect to be recognized as an individual with unique abilities and a unique approach to my sport. I also expect other adaptive athletes, regardless of their disability, to be recognized for their individual and unique abilities in their sport of choice.

Recently, there have been staged, theatrical events (“publicity stunts”) produced in an effort to give individuals with disabilities an opportunity to feel what it is like to step into an MMA cage and engage in competition. While these events are an amazing opportunity to give disabled individuals an opportunity to experience a dream, it is also confusing to audiences, athletic commissions and the athletic community alike when these events are promoted as legitimate competitions. Serious adaptive athletes work hard to gain approval to compete in athletic competition and it is discouraging to see our efforts compared to the opportunities that are handed to those with special needs who have not dedicated their time to training and the sport. We at #TeamNasca do not believe that any of the parties involved in these staged events realize or even considered the implications for legitimate adaptive athletes so we are making an official statement on our position regarding adaptive athletes in mixed martial arts:

“No individual, disabled or otherwise, who has not trained in the sport of mixed martial arts and has not completed the basic and universal requirements for competition (to include weigh-ins and basic physical examination by a licensed physician) should be promoted as a “mixed martial artist” or “fighter” in exhibitions or media releases. These designations are reserved for athletes who have trained and dedicated their time to the sport and have worked for recognition of their efforts. Professional mixed martial artists should not engage in these events unless they are clearly promoted as staged, charitable or unsanctioned exhibition events.”

I do understand that by releasing this statement I am opening myself up to judgement and criticism and I am willing to discuss this matter and answer any questions that any person may have regarding my statement. I fully support every person’s right to safely participate in the sport or competition of their choice and I understand the value of making every person’s dreams a reality. #TeamNasca supports and appreciates the opportunity to work with legitimate athletes from all walks of life regardless of ability.

About Daniel Nasca is an adaptive mixed martial arts athlete with cerebral palsy. Nasca trains with Gracie Barra Jacksonville. “#TeamNasca” is a social brand promoting Nasca as an athlete and calling attention to the strength and determination of adaptive athletes.