Manhattan

There are currently no plans to burn effigies of Bob Reilly at the stake, but on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 12 noon a rally will be held for the support of legalized and regulated mixed martial arts in New York State*.  Rally members will gather at 250 Broadway, Manhattan, New York, 100007, right across the street from City Hall.

This rally is being organized by the Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York, a non-partisan volunteer group of organizations, gyms, business owners and individuals who support the legalization and regulation of mixed martial arts in the state of New York.

In 2010, with the support of Governor Paterson and former Governor Pataki, legislation to legalize and regulate mixed martial arts was approved by the New York State Senate, but not the Assembly. Therefore, the location for the rally being at 250 Broadway is because it houses the district office of Sheldon Silver, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly.

Those planning to participate in the rally are asked to bring picket signs (please keep the comments respectful and do not use metal, wood, or plastic rods to hold the signs – only use cardboard tubes to hold the signs), and if possible, a pair of focus mitts. Do not bring any audio projection equipment.

Stephen Koepfer of the Coalition to Legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York says:

“If you are a fan, fighter, gym owner, business owner, or organization official who wants to start the 2011 New York legislative calendar by letting our government know we want legalized and regulated MMA in New York, please come show your support! Let’s gather together to show our legislators that New York is not respecting the wishes of its voters! Let’s remind our legislators that MMA is a professional sport and in need of regulation! Let’s remind our legislators how much business and how many jobs are lost to neighboring states where MMA is properly sanctioned! Let’s remind our legislators that we care about the safety of our athletes! Let’s remind our legislators that it is the people of New York who vote for them, and that WE WANT LEGALIZED AND REGULATED MIXED MARTIAL ARTS IN NEW YORK STATE!”

For more information about the rally or coalition contact Stephen Koepfer at [email protected] or 718-728-8054. You can visit their blog at: http://nymmanow.blogspot.com and they also have a Facebook group.

*Snow date for the rally is Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011.

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