Hughes Lobbies Congress
March 6, 2009
It is a far cry how much ground MMA has covered over the past several years. Mixed martial arts was once a sport that fought for its’ own regulatory life, but now its’ stars are sought out to go before governmental committees to champion other causes. Former UFC Welterweight champion Matt Hughes is using the bully pulpit of his athletic celebrity to lobby congress for changes that would help to lessen the obesity crisis in the US. Hughes spoke before Congress on Wednesday about the topic:
Should soccer cleats and baseball gloves be tax deductible? More than a dozen current and former athletes made that pitch to members of Congress Wednesday, pressing for passage of legislation they say would help stem obesity in this country.
The athletes, from nine-time Ultimate Fighting champion Matt Hughes to former NFL star Herschel Walker, lobbied members of Congress as part of a Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association initiative on Wednesday. In addition to the tax legislation, they also pushed for more funding for a federal grant program for physical education classes and after-school programs in schools.
“I’m here as a professional athlete, and the biggest reason I’m here is I’m the father of three kids,” said Hughes, 35. He decried the country’s sedentary habits, adding “Our lifestyle is just terrible.”
Hughes said the tax legislation was needed to motivate people to get active.
“I’m kind of old school,” he said. “I was born and raised on a farm. Every weekend, we went out and cut and split firewood to burn and to heat our house. I’ve just always been active, whether it’s through wrestling or classes in school or PE. I just want to make sure everyone else has the same rights and opportunities.”
