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Back in 1997, when Michael Barr showed up at Champs Sports in the Louisiana Mall to apply for a job, the world was a different place: The Internet was young, the Spice Girls were on top of the world, and the mall was the only place.
Things may have changed a bit since then, but Champs Sports is still around. The same goes for Michael Barr.
Barr, who has Down syndrome, celebrated his 25th anniversary with the company in November. While Champs always celebrates when employees hit significant employment milestones, this time felt extra special.
Michael Barr, a man with Down syndrome (center), is pictured with his mother, Diane Barr (right), father Michael Barr (left), family, friends and colleagues, on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in celebration of his 25th birthday at Champs Sports in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, Barr, 45, stared intently at the unfurling of a large banner bearing his face on a silver balloon with “25” written on it.
“This looks like me,” he joked, pointing to his portrait.
In recent years, there has been a conscious push to focus on employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome. Research shows that only 57 percent of adults with the disorder are employed, and many of them are employed in jobs that don’t take full advantage of their skills.
Baton Rouge, LA, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 – District Manager Teddy Davis celebrates Michael Barr, who has Down syndrome, for Barr’s special 25th anniversary at Champs Sports (Michael Barr) was surprised.
In honor of last year’s World Down Syndrome Day, musician Sting recorded “Hiring Chain” — a catchy tune accompanied by a gripping video — to show how people with Down syndrome can be part of the workforce. The various roles played, and the importance of each employee make.
There are many organizational benefits to hiring someone with Down syndrome. The most important thing is to have a positive influence on colleagues, which is always on display at Champs: Whenever employees talk about Barr, there is always a smile.
Over the years, Barr has become a familiar, friendly presence in the store, unpacking and pricing products, putting them on shelves, and above all—unleashing his sharp wit.
Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, Michael Barr, who has Down syndrome, smiles as he celebrates his 25th anniversary with Champs Sports on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
“I’ll tell you one thing,” Champs Sports regional manager Teddy Davis said. “He had a great sense of humor. When I was his manager I would call him ‘Mr B’ and he would turn around – because my name was Teddy – point at me and call me Teddy Bears. Things like that”
Davis said he has worked directly or indirectly with Barr for 20 years. Not only did Barr refresh the storefront, but he was a hard worker.
“It’s nice to have him around. He’s a ray of sunshine,” Davis said. “He has a strong work ethic and is very particular about what he wants to do. His workspace is always very clean and organized.”
Barr’s mother, Diane, was at the center of the many families attending the event. She said Michael’s time at the Champs allowed him to move around and especially make friends.
“That’s his friend over there,” she said, pointing to one of Michael’s colleagues. “They go bowling, they go out to eat, they play Wii.”
“He likes it here.”
Since graduating from Redemptorist High in 1997 (his yearbook quote: “Never say, ‘I can’t do it.’ All you need is God and drive”), it wasn’t just Champs who kept Barr busy. He is physically active and has won numerous sports awards in everything from horseback riding to golf.
He is also a fan of movies and music, especially old movies and music. In the past, he has expressed a particular fondness for Elvis Presley and his dapper guitarist, Scotty Moore.
On his day of celebration, Barr soaked up the atmosphere, the kind words, the presence of those close to him. During the course of the party, he could barely stop smiling.
He grinned when asked if he would stay.
“Oh yes,” he said.
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