For Immediate Release Contact: Mark Priceman National Down Syndrome Society mpriceman@ndss.org/202-465-3223 Cooper City, Florida Resident to Receive National Advocacy Award Garrett Holeve will receive the National Down Syndrome Society’s NDSS Self-Advocate of the Year Award at the annual Buddy Walk® on Washington. New York, NY (April 1, 2015). The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is pleased to recognize Garrett Holeve of Cooper City, Florida with the NDSS Self-Advocate of the Year Champion of Change Award. NDSS self-advocates are volunteer advocates with Down syndrome who are committed to taking part in the democratic process and serve as liaisons between NDSS and their communities to continually raise awareness, educate and advocate for public policy solutions that benefit the Down syndrome community at the federal, local and community levels. Mr. Holeve will receive the award at the Buddy Walk® on Washington, the annual NDSS advocacy event in Washington, DC. Over 150 people from across the country will gather together to advocate for legislative priorities that positively impact the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families. The event also includes an award ceremony, at which Mr. Holeve will receive his award. Mr. Holeve, a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, who happens to have Down syndrome, has been at the forefront of advocacy since the Florida Boxing Commission denied his right to enter the ring for competition. Working with lawyers from Disability Rights Florida, advocates from the National Down Syndrome Society and Change.org to bring awareness to the situation. Last November, Mr. Holeve was able to participate in a sanctioned fight in Sullivan, Missouri where he was victorious in the Second Round by Submission. Mr. Holeve will be recognized along with several other honorees at the Buddy Walk® on Washington, including Ashley DeRamus, who will also receive the NDSS Self-Advocate of the Year Award; Charles Gerhardt III, Advocate of the Year Award; Lynn Braker and Sherri Harnisch, NDSS DS-Ambassador of the Year Award; PCMA and Change.org, Organization of the Year Award and the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas as the Buddy Walk® of the Year Award. Award presenters include the Honorable Dan Benishek (R-MI), as well NDSS Board Members and staff. Garrett has one more goal - a place for adaptive athletes to train and get physically fit. In celebration of Garrett's award please consider going to www.gofundme.com/garrettsfight and make a donation and make Garrett's dream come true.