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STRIKEFORCE STARS JASON "MAYHEM" MILLER, SCOTT "HANDS OF STEEL" SMITH AND DANIEL CORMIER TEAM UP TO FIGHT YOUTH BULLYING



Fighters To Begin Campaigning In Chicago This Week



NEW YORK (November 3, 2009)--Jason "Mayhem" Miller has already shown the world that he's no fan of bullies. Now, the host of MTV's smash-hit reality series "Bully Beatdown" has been joined by fellow STRIKEFORCE mixed martial arts (MMA) stars Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith and Daniel Cormier in a national campaign led by apparel company and cause organization Kickin' It, Inc. to curb a perennial problem amongst adolescents and teenagers.



Founded by Kickin' It Apparel Co. President GinaMarie Raimondo in May 2009, the "Bullying...We're Kickin' It" campaign aims to stop bullying amongst youth and the resulting psychological and emotional wounds often left on victims. Raimondo's outfit aggressively engages students, their guardians, and school faculty in useful dialogue and activities, including workshops led by the organization's spokespeople in order to encourage positive behavior.



Smith and Cormier will pay visits to several Chicago schools and youth centers this week while Miller readies for his highly-anticipated, live network television debut on CBS this Saturday, November 7 when he will face off with fellow superstar Jake Shields during the STRIKEFORCE and M-1 Global co-promoted "Fedor vs. Rogers" event at Chicago's Sears Centre Arena.



"I'm enthused to be a part of something like this that's bigger than just fighting and bigger than just a TV show," said the 28-year-old Miller, who has already recorded a number of public service announcements on behalf of Kickin It's campaign. The messages are being broadcast nationally courtesy of Premiere Radio, a subsidiary of Clear Channel Worldwide. "I want to bring about positive change amongst the youth in this country and this is a way to do that."



Cormier, a two-time member of The United States Olympic wrestling team who placed fourth in the 2004 Games held in Athens, Greece, was inspired to join the group as a result of his personal experiences.



"I was bullied as a kid so I know what it's like to be belittled and humiliated in front of my peers," said the 30-year-old Cormier. "I want to make a difference in the lives of kids who are facing the same things I did when I was their age."


Smith's status as a father of two boys, ages 12 and 6, has heightened his sensitivity to the problem. "It hasn't happened to either of my kids yet, but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen in the future. It's something that concerns me and I want to do whatever I can to influence kids in a positive way."



"Bullying is a very serious problem in every school across America that has long lasting, detrimental effects on your youth," said Raimondo. "This problem requires an integrated approach involving the entire community to unite against this kind of behavior. Kickin It's campaign offers that and hopes others will follow the example of the STRIKEFORCE athletes who should be admired for their passion and determination to address this issue."