Fighting For Autism- Voices For the Voiceless with Dwayne "The Titan" Smith

 

#VoicesForTheVoiceless

 

 

 

Voices for the Voiceless…

The idea of Voices for the Voiceless campaign, comes from Fighting For Autism USA, South Eastern Regional Director, Pro Wrestler, Personal Trainer and Part-time Ghostbuster, Dwayne “Titan” Smith.

“The idea of doing a Voice for the Voiceless campaign came from my son. He’s nonverbal and on the autism spectrum along with the combination of a situation close to my hometown.

There were 2 kids on the autistic spectrum being kept in a cage. This is beyond cruel it was unacceptable. They’re human beings and deserve to be treated as such. I was picking up a shirt order from Demingous Price for a wrestling event I had to do that night. I remembered a phrase that I had heard before “Voices for the Voiceless.” So I had a special shirt made for me that night and called the promoter, Tyler Gazaway, on my way to the arena and asked if I could speak on the microphone, he agreed that I could.

I stood backstage reading the article over and over becoming more and more furious. I gathered a few thoughts in my head and waited for my music to hit.
My music began to play, the crowd cheered and I hit the ring. Most of the time I walk around the ring, smiling, giving fist bumps/high fives but not this night. I went straight to the ring with a purpose. I hit all four corners raising my fist and began to tell the audience…

“Right down the road from this very arena there were two autistic kids found in a cage. Right down the road from here. I will NOT stand by and let this happen anywhere, anytime by anyone ESPECIALLY next to my hometown! I will be your voice. I will stand up for you. I will stand by you. I will be your voice for the voiceless!”

The crowd cheered and I came and wrapped my son in my arms. I began to order my shirts with the saying on the back. People immediately started asking what it meant and buying them in support of the cause”.

Dwayne has a heart of gold and when it comes to making a massive difference to those on the spectrum, he is definitely a man on a mission. Through building relationships with his local community and businesses, and actively involving those on the Autistic Spectrum has seen some absolute superstars on the Spectrum be given their chance to shine and also experience things in a setting that make those memories last a lifetime not just for them but also to their families too.

Dwayne, and our amazing friends at Valor Fights including Tim Loy Cutman Ambassador Mark Laws,went the extra mile to give Jayce Wisenhunt and his Dad a night to remember after Jayce’s chaperone wasn’t allowed to escorts him to his prom which led Jayce to leaving his prom upset, his chaperone was his sister who the school claimed was too old to attend, Jayce who is on the spectrum, was given the superstar treatment and Tim Loy awarded Jayce a belt of his own, Valor Fights have also gone on to become huge supporters of Fighting For Autism and have even hosted Fighting For Autism events, of where Dwayne is always there to raise a hand and raise awareness.

 Ahh, The Part-time Ghostbuster, Dwayne is a huge Ghostbusters fan, and recently along with some fantastic people had the very first sensory friendly screening of a movie in North West Georgia, USA and even attended the event in full Ghostbuster attire.A wonderful time was had by all, and the man we know as “Titan” was at the front leading the charge.

 

On behalf of us all at Fighting For Autism we would like to say Thank You to everyone who is truly making a difference, we could not do it without you, huge Thank You to Dwayne “Titan”Smith for his help in today’s blog entry
 

#VoicesForTheVoiceless #DareToBeDifferent #FightingForAutism  #BeBrave #BeBold #BeKind #BeInspirational #BeYourself  #Wrestling #MMA #MuayThai #BJJ #Judo #Escrima #Boxing #Karate #TaeKwonDo #Capoeira #Ghostbusters #ValorFights #CarmikeCinemas 

 

Fighting with Autism and Shining through the Spectrum- Steve Borelli Jr

 

 

Ladies and Gentleman, allow us to introduce you to Steve Borelli Jr, who is a Fighting For Autism Fighter Ambassador from New York, USA.

Steve is a remarkable gentleman who's story encompasses the message of Fighting For Autism, highlighting that there so many positive stories of people who shine through the Autistic Spectrum particularly in the realms of Martial Arts and Boxing.

 

 

"My name's Steve Borelli. I was diagnosed with Autism in 1990 at age 5. Due to the side effects of ASD, I remained socially awkward.
Despite good study habits and hardwork, my grades in school were terribly low.

 

One thing that always kept me going was my love for Martial arts/combat sports(a love that my father also had his whole life) while in my 20s, I started formal training. I've always loved boxing, but Jiu Jitsu became my lifestyle. Martial arts training not only improved my health and fitness but other aspects of my life as well.

 

 

I was a volunteer firefighter for 4 years, I'm currently in school studying pharmacy, I'm involved in a self advocacy group where we learn to all sorts of social skills. Such as how to handle bullying at work, how to spot when people are trying to take advantage of us, and putting together fundraisers.

I've been training BJJ for 5 years now. The best part about this lifestyle is that my social skills have improved due to interacting with people at practice, event's, parties, etc".

 

 

Massive thanks to Steve Borelli JR for writing this entry for the Fighting For Autism Blog, we are so incredibly proud to have Steve as an Ambassador.

#DareToBeDifferent #LiveWithoutLabels #ShiningThroughtTheSpectrum 

 

 

 

 

The amazing side of Martial Arts, The Fighting Spirit Awards, celebrating diversity in Martial Arts

On October the 1st, a very unique awards ceremony took place in the United Kingdom, the awards known as the Fighting Spirit Awards, which were hosted by the Warriors Assemble, who are a collective of amazing martial artists who have chosen to highlight and celebrate some wonderful people involved in Martial Arts.
Tony and Sarah Pillage, along with professional Mixed Martial Artist Alex Reid resided over proceedings, and did an amazing job in every aspect.

Tony Pillage presenting the Fighting Spirit Awards

Honestly being asked to attend and listen to some of the most heart warming, inspiring and courageous insights into some remarkable martial artists who have overcome extraordinary odds was an honour in itself, and also emphasises the benefits not just of partaking in Martial Arts, but the sense of belonging to something very special and unique within some of the fantastic clubs that are out there.

Insights from a young gentleman called Callum Williams, who at a young age, had to have his feet amputated and is fitted with prosthetics, instead of sitting back, this amazing young gentleman not only took up Boxing and Judo, but is exceling in both, Callum has been working with the Adaptive Boxing Organisation, which is beginning to see adaptive athletes being able to compete in boxing events, the Adaptive Boxing Organisation (ABO) is headed by Colin Wood, who himself is battling a condition that is deteriorating his eyesight.

The inspiring act of courage and spirit shown by a young paramedic, who after having a heart attack, which had left him with confined to a wheelchair, through sheer determination and the love and support of his martial arts family, he was guided to his feet in order to accept his award, to a rapturous applause.
The young lady named Sam Morris who despite having global developmental delay that had gone on to thrive in Taekwondo being awarded by her coach Chris Jones, to the poignant gift of a coveted  belt to Robbie Hirst by Tony Bailey of Basingstoke Ju Jitsu Club, accompanied by the background on how that belt was earned and what it represents was incredible and emotional to listen to, Robbie had been nominated for the award by his coach and mentor, Richard Olpin of Ilyokwan Black Belt academy.

 Luis Coward and Gina Hopkins, who have thrived in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, show the positive steps made by martial artists and their clubs in working alongside some outstanding people and truly bringing the best out of the clubs, and those who train there, a very humbling and wonderful sight to see and be able to hear of so many fantastic people celebrating dedicated martial artists from their clubs at an event, that will hopefully go from strength to strength owing to how unique and special it was.

                                       The inspiring winners of the Fighting Spirit Awards 2016
Bethany Butler, Andrei Lazar, Alex Patterson, Casey Leigh-Statham, Callum Williams, Mohammed Afzal, Christine Batcheler, Chris Bird, Mark Brown, Andrew Burt, , Paul Coleman, Paul Couldrey, Luis Coward, Kevin Fitzgerald, Santosh Gurang, Robbie Hirst, Carl Hodgetts, Gina Hopkins, Mike Kilbane, Dave Lee, Sophie McCarron, Mandi Miles, Sam Morris, Lee Myring, Claire Payne, Gary Povey, Martin Ridley, Aaron Stevens, Ben Stevens, Connor Stokes, Colin Wood,

Tony Pillage, himself who is a coach ambassador for Fighting For Autism, gave a phenomenal account of his battle against cancer, putting into words the amount that this gentleman does for others through Martial Arts, is so hard to  do as he does so much, his wit captivates those listening, Tony himself is a man who defies the odds on a daily basis, Tony has gone on to present on radio and also write an autobiography called "Breaking Bob" ( Bob being the name given to the cancerous tumour by Tony)

From hearing feats that defied the odds, being in the presence of so many awe inspiring people really was a humbling experience, each and every award given had the "WOW" factor, and it really did highlight one thing and that is the fundamental importance in how much of a difference can be made with the right encouragement and application, each and every award given was so very much deserved, this event really did give some remarkable people their chance to shine, people with life changing adaptions but with one of the most positive mental attitudes, that really did make any issues prior seem to bade into insignificance, the amount of support offered by renowned martial artists towards Fighting For Autism was amazing. and with our amazing friends at Immortal 365 Martial Arts Academy in Peterborough and some other outstanding martial artists , we hope to be working on something rather special in the early New year...we will keep you posted ;-)

          Fighting For Autism was extremely honoured in receiving an award that evening too.

Fighting For Autism was founded by Christian Mitchell over in Australia, Brian Higginbotham in the USA and the addition of some amazing people involved in Martial Arts around the world, we have been so fortunate to be able to help raise Autism Awareness and actively involve those on the Autistic Spectrum as well as their loved ones and carers in awareness campaigns, meet and greet sessions with some amazing martial artists, to each and every Ambassador, club and promotion, whose kindness towards us has spoken volumes, to each and every Facebook or Instagram like, or retweet on Twitter, to every reader of a blog where we have been featured you are what makes Fighting For Autism what it truly is and you are the ones who carry the message of hope and bring the brighter day for so many, we wont ever be able to thank you enough.

Paul and Fighting For Autism Fighter Ambassador and Host of the Fighting Spirit Awards Alex Reid

A Huge Thank you to Peter and Beth Holmes, Karl Butcher and Magda from Immortal 365 in Peterborough, UK, Peter presented a very humbling award to Paul, Head of Operations for Fighting For Autism ( Europe), again without the support of so many wonderful people making Fighting For Autism what it is, it wouldn't be possible.
Christian Mitchell founder of Fighting For Autism over in Australia whose idea is gaining momentum worldwide with the assistance of some absolutely amazing people.
And last but by no means least Tony and Sarah Pillage, Alex Reid and everyone in attendance at the Fighting Spirit Awards, THANK YOU, your kindness and inspirational insights are the things that legends are made of, We truly hope that these awards grow and grow, with more people becoming part of something that is truly special.



Meanwhile  in the USA...... Head of Operations. Brian Higginbotham was inducted into the Horizon FC Hall of Fame, Brian who was in the cage with owners Aceamous Anderson and Shaun Scott, Brian was pleasantly surprised to be presented with his own Horizon FC Belt, by Regional Director Dwayne "The Titan Smith" who may be one of the hardest people to hide out of sight in order to surprise someone. Congratulations Brian, and Thank you to everyone at Horizon FC, and of course Dwayne "The Titan " Smith

Dwayne "The Titan Smith", Aceamous Anderson, Mark McLean, Brian Higginbotham, Shaun Scott and Jeralyn Spear.

Thomas Henley, Taekwondo Athlete, Student, YouTube and Aspergers Syndrome.

 

 

 

 

My name is Thomas Henley and I'm an International Taekwondo Athlete, University Science Student and YouTuber! Studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Manchester (UK), I make regular Gaming, Autism advice, Fitness, Diet and Taekwondo videos for my channel. These videos are catered to anyone who wants to enjoy some funny gaming videos and some quality, EASY to follow tutorials.

 

My YouTube Channel can be found at the following link https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC0VOu3k-sTNze2TioZUfvNA

 

I am also a Fighter Ambassador for  Fighting For Autism.

 

 

 

As a Taekwondo athlete I have am pleased to say I am 2x National British Champion, Commonwealth Champion and Male Fighter of the Commonwealth Championships. I have also represented GB Taekwondo at the European U21 Championships in the -80kg category.

 

 

Living with Aspergers Syndrome (an Autistic Spectrum Disorder) has many challenges such as difficulty in social situations, uncertainty in reading facial expressions. In my life the hardest thing to deal with was my ability to understand my own emotions, which lead me to become very depressed and anxious. In the present day I can say I'm very happy with my life, however do frequently have to deal with constant anxiety

.

The Fighting for Autism campaign suits me very well; Taekwondo has allowed me to battle my anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues head on and ultimately made me a more social and confident person.

The Silver Medal that Thomas won this weekend at a Taekwondo Competition in London

 

Fighting For Autism - The People You Meet, and the Inspirational Stories behind them.

The People you meet, and the inspirational stories behind them.
Mark and Arlene Sproule TAMMA Martial Arts Academy over in Northern Ireland.

 

 

A few months back I was so very fortunate, to be able to sit and talk about children on the Autistic spectrum, and these wonderful people did not only know their stuff, they were phenomenonally keen on really raising the bar on accessible martial arts classes for those on the Autistic Spectrum and additional needs.

 

Mark and Arlene Sproule are two well established Martial Artists, who run a club specifically for children on the spectrum and with additional needs, they have  have 2 grown up children, who are on the Spectrum, so my senses were heightened on what the future may hold for my own son, the day I met them, they were off to collect awards at a Martial Arts seminar so I was lucky enough to grab a sneaky coffee with them whilst they were in London , as both are incredibly gifted martial artists.

 

Sitting in their company, I was told of inspirational tales of how youngsters who had joined the club, had progressed leaps and bounds, but we're also made to feel so very welcome, meeting new friends, the club has become a hub, a meeting place for so many and is run in such a way, where established students become study buddy's to those just starting their own martial arts journey.

We spoke of how their club has become a much needed place of gathering, but also something very special as this magical place, shows a sense of belonging, a place where skills and friendships are developed. Fighting For Autism would be extremely proud to work alongside such a magnificent  club.

.

 

(Paulieboy meeting up with the amazing Mark and Arlene Sproule of TAMMA Martial Arts club)

 

We went on to speak about our own children, and It was pointed out at how talented Courtney and Timothy are.
Timothy is a gifted video editor, with a flair for computers, Courtney is an artist, the pictures I was shown on that day, absolutely blew me away, seriously they are that good.

Courtney although incredibly shy, is to me a megastar in the making, her artwork is amongst the best I've seen in a long while, a way of expressing yourself through art is so highly spoken of, I explained that Fighting For Autism were looking potentially for a mascot, and some drawings were sent over.

First Courtney had to establish, what it was that we were looking for so sent over a few ideas

Then followed a few more, We asked Courtney is she could design a Tyrannosaurus Rex, with 2 Superheroes, as some of our ambassadors have a perchance for that particular dinosaur. 

 

Then the wawaeeeeeeeeeewa moment occurred!

 

 

Blown away, by what I saw, I knew that some of Fighter Ambassadors we're incredibly fond of the Tyrannosaurus Rex,
Fighter Ambassadors David Rickels, JP Gillespie and Nas "T- Rex Stowell"
Ladies and Gentlemen please have a look at the artwork that Courtney created, I think it Tyrannosauruseriffic, Courtney's incredible gift of art can also be seen on her YouTube Channel which is absolutely amazing, and we have asked Courtney to become a Voices For the Voiceless Ambassador for Fighting For Autism, Courtney and her mum Arlene are also in the process of writing their own children's books, with Arlene doing the foreword and Courtney doing the Art work

I came away with a new friendship and got to speak to 2 wonderful individuals who encompass the spirit of Martial arts and got to hear of 2 young adults on the spectrum who will take the world by storm with their Artwork.

 

Heres a link to Courtney's Artwork she is extremely gifted and talented, I'm sure you'd agree

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp-940fnKoI

 

the most amazing thing is that by a love of martial arts, parents, carers and those on the spectrum are beginning to talk, and become communities, whether that be with new friends overseas.

 

I wanted to say a massive Thank You, To Mark and Arlene Sproule, for being absolutely outstanding people who run a spectacular club for some awesome people, and to the ultra talented Timothy and Courtney Sproule,

 

 

 

 

Fighting For Autism, fighting for acceptance written by Claire Smith. Mother, Mixed Martial Artist and on the Autistic Spectrum

Claire Smith is a Mother, a Mixed Martial Artist and also on the Autistic Spectrum and a Fighter Ambassador for Fighting For Autism.
This is the 3rd part of her story that explains what being on the Autistic Spectrum means to her, we often get asked at Fighting For Autism, to hear about Adults on the Spectrum, and who better to write than a person on the spectrum themselves.

"Social and Personal relationships can often be difficult, exhausting and confusing for many on the autism spectrum, whilst most neuro-typical people find them fun, relaxing and enjoyable. If you work or live with a child, teenager or adult on the autism spectrum, you will recognise the difficulties they have with getting along with people, making friends and keeping all kinds of relationships going.  This is an obvious obstacle to not only their happiness but also their ability to make progress in life, to fulfil their ambition and hopes. In many cases, it is a barrier to them learning at school and earning a living, and causes withdrawal from the world which seems so alien to them. The obstacles faced by children, adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum is by far more detailed than most people would think.

Autism to most is just a behavioural problem, people don't look at the real problems or obstacle people on the spectrum face.
Having  ambition can be frowned upon. Having a dream can be laughable.
Being on the spectrum myself I find friendship and relationship are hard enough to form without people putting the obstacles there for me, people need to be more aware about the difficulties autistic people face with friends and stop alienating us.

We deserve friends, we just go a different way about forming friendships.
Hasn't everyone got the right to dream and is ambition not a good thing to have if you have a disability or not"?

Claire in Competition

Never ever give up on your dreams, you could well be the spark that ignites the flame for someone else to start chasing their dreams .

 

Huge thank you to Claire, for really wearing her heart on her sleeve and being a Voice for the Voiceless, children on the spectrum, do go on to become adults on the spectrum , Autism is not something you grow out of, but with the right people encouraging you and fighting your corner, there can be a brighter day ;-)

Fighting For Autism- 12 Rounds With Wayne "Pocket Rocket" McCullough

When you mention Wayne "Pocket Rocket" McCullough and boxing, a list as long your arm appears  the amount of accolades this gentleman has distinguished Wayne as having the "hardest chin in boxing" as well as his tenacity and punch ratio , Wayne is a Commonwealth and Olympic medallist, he has also held titles for the NABF and WBC and even carried the Olympic torch twice in the same day in his beloved Northern Ireland prior to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and is currently training the next generation of champions dividing his time between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Wayne wearing his Olympic and Commonwealth Games Medals , and his World Boxing Council Title belt.

 

Wayne is also an author, his Autobiography "Don't Quit" is a superb insight into Wayne's boxing career and the adversities he faced, aside from boxing Wayne is without a shadow of a doubt one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, always has time for his fans, and truly is a Fans Man.

Dad to rising superstar Wy Mac, and husband to Cheryl, Wayne is a devout family man who goes out of his way to make a difference to others, meeting and greeting the Irish Team for the special Olympics and sharing stories with them was amazing to see.

Wayne with some of the Irish Special Olympics Team in Los Angeles

 

 

When Fighting For Autism did the "1 Minute punch bag challenge" for Autism Awareness, Wayne was at the forefront leading the charge, uploading his video and nominating others to do the same.  

Wayne is also a Fighting For Autism Fighter Ambassador, who has truly helped to raise awareness and acceptance.

 

 

We asked Four of the Fighting For Autism Junior Ambassadors,  Rhys McCole (Top Left), Zak Lovell ( Top Right) Josh Westcott ( 2nd Left) and Nas Stowell (2nd Right) who are all outstanding amateur boxers and also on the Autistic Spectrum to ask Wayne a few questions, so here we go

 

 

 12 Rounds With Wayne "Pocket Rocket" McCullough, questions asked by Josh Westcott, Rhys McCole , Zak Lovell and Nas Stowell

 

1.Wayne you were never knocked out or stopped but who was the toughest and also hardest hitting opponent?

The toughest fighter I fought was Victor Rabanales in my 13th fight. He was number 1 in the world. I was number 5. I had to beat him to get a crack at the world title. He hit me so hard at one point I was out on my feet and he didn't even know it. I was inexperienced going into that fight. The hardest hitting fighter over 12 rounds was Erik Morales.

 2. What has been your own personal greatest achievement and honour?

People always think winning the Olympic silver medal was my greatest achievement but in my opinion winning the WBC World Championship tops that. That belt has been held by some of the best fighters of all time. From Muhammad Ali to Floyd Mayweather. I am the first (and only) Irish fighter to ever win a WBC belt.

 3. You support Fighting for Autism and people on the Autistic spectrum why do you do do much for others? 

I have a platform to bring awareness to causes and for as long as I am able to do that I will continue to support my friends and family in their efforts.

Thank You- Rhys McCole - Junior Ambassador (Scotland)

4.How often do you train, and do you enjoy training ?

I train every day for at least 2 hours. I love it. When I was boxing, it was my life. Once an athlete, always an athlete.

5.What kind of diet do you have ?

I eat good healthy food. Chicken and turkey mostly. But that's not to say I don't like biscuits and tea!

6.What kind of sports personalities/people did you look up to whilst growing up ?

I loved watching athletics (track and field) and I watched football. I always wanted to be a football player but I was better at boxing. I used to read about old time boxers because in my day there was no internet! So I loved going to the shop and picking up the latest Boxing News.

7. You've done really well becoming a World Champion, can you describe how that moment felt ?

It was a weird feeling. I set a goal when I was young. When I achieved that goal, it was an anti climax and I almost felt like "what's next?"

8.A lot of Boxing success often relies upon timing, did you ever get impatient waiting to make your mark, and was it difficult finding the right moments ?

Yes when I became the number 1 contender to the world title the champion made me wait for another 13 months before giving me a chance at his belt. That was frustrating.

Thank You- Nas Stowell- Junior Ambassador (England)

9.What was the start of your amateur career like?

I remember being in the gym for about 6 months as a 7/8 year old. I had to learn the trade before stepping into the ring to fight. In my first fight I was matched against a fighter with over 50 fights but because I'd spent the time to learn I was able to stop him in 2 rounds.

10.What did your family and friends think of the dedication you put in to fight in the Commonwealth and Olympics and win medals?

My friends used to go to the gym with me but they all fell away over time. As a young kid I always worked hard. To this day my friends remember the hard work I put in and see now that it paid off.

Thank You- Josh Westcott- Junior Ambassador (Scotland)

11. What age did you start boxing?

I began at 7 years old. My first fight was at 8 years old.

 

 12. Did you have any specific obstacles?

Coming from the working class area of West Belfast the obstacles were actually making it to the gym as opposed to getting caught up in the gangs or stuff my friends were into.

Thank You- Zak Lovell -Junior Ambassador (England)

Thanks so much for the questions! They were great!!!

Wayne 

 





 

 

 

 

Fighting For Autism, would like to say a massive thank you to Nas Stowell, Josh Westcott, Rhys McCole, Zak Lovell and Wayne "Pocket Rocket" McCullough for an excellent interview

 

 

Wayne can be found on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/WayneMccullough and on Instagram

www.Instagram.com/WayneMccullough

 

Fighting For Autism can be found on Facebook www.Facebook.com/fightingforautism

or Instagram www.Instagram.com/FightForAutism and Twitter www.Twitter.com/FightForAutism