Who We Are
Wrestling for Peace employs wrestling and sports diplomacy to advance people-to-people engagement, empower individuals and groups, and build communities. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to a world where the universal language of wrestling becomes a conduit for positive change, enabling individuals to thrive and communities to flourish through compassion, inclusivity, and collaborative efforts, with a commitment to utilizing our platform to uplift others in this transformative journey.
Bridging the Gap - By harnessing the global nature of wrestling, we aim to build bridges that connect people across borders and cultures. Through shared experiences, we promote peace and foster bonds that contribute to a more connected and understanding world.
We've Got Your Back - Recognizing that everyone faces trials, transitions, and challenges, we stand in solidarity with communities in need. We embrace the universal struggle and provide tangible support to help individuals and communities overcome obstacles.
Impactful Partnerships - Through strategic teams and partnerships, we deliver targeted assistance to address humanitarian needs worldwide. From leadership development to sports diplomacy, youth engagement, and provision of wrestling gear, we aim to create meaningful and lasting change in the lives of those we serve.
Our mission
To utilize wrestling and sports diplomacy to foster people-to-people engagement, empower individuals and groups, and build community globally
Our vision
To be a global force for positive change through the unifying power of wrestling, fostering a world where individuals thrive, communities are empowered, and the universal struggle is met with compassion and support
A message from our Board Chair, Dan Russell
I am grateful for the opportunities USA Wrestling has given me through the years. I believe the experience I have gained positions me uniquely to champion the success of Wrestling for Peace. As a former USA Wrestling athlete and representative of United World Wrestling, I have met people from every corner of the globe and realize that everyone struggles. I have learned to appreciate wrestling as a training ground to overcome the struggle, and that wrestlers from diverse backgrounds respect each other.
In November 2017, I became a Wrestling For Peace Ambassador, in an effort to bridge the gap between nations. Having traveled to over 60 countries, these experiences have enabled me to appreciate the global wrestling culture and the values taught through the sport. This moved me to make an even deeper commitment so that more people might experience wrestling, overcome challenges, and find commonality with rival nations.
In 2019, my wife and I moved to Amman, Jordan, a region constantly confronted with geo-political upheaval, yet deeply longing for peace. With an ancient history of wrestling, Jordan is becoming the go-to wrestling destination for Asia, selected by United World Wrestling to host the Asian Championships at the U15, U17, U20 and U23 age group levels, as well as the U17 and U20 World Championships.
The global opportunities for Wrestling for Peace are profound: bringing more countries into the wrestling fold, elevating women to become role models, helping people overcome what may seem like unsurmountable challenges, and bridging the gap between rivals to create shared experience through better dialog. The path forward is to build on USA Wrestling’s success in international diplomacy through cultural exchanges, supplying wrestling gear, and providing humanitarian aid to the underprivileged in underserved places around the globe.
Join me as we Wrestle For Peace.
