Serbia: Competition + Community

The stage was set at Bishop Kelly High School gymnasium in Boise, Idaho, where 1,500 fervent fans gathered to witness the culmination of a week-long joint venture between Team USA and the Serbian Greco-Roman National Team. With athleticism and goodwill, both teams met together to showcase not only their competitive spirit but also their commitment to serving the community.

The highlight of the weeklong event was earlier in the week when Team Serbia and Team USA gathered at Suples, Ltd., a prestigious training facility founded by esteemed Olympian and World Silver Medalist, Ivan Ivanov, to tackle several service projects together. They spent time at a local hospital to uplift children battling cancer, participated in school assemblies, inspiring and motivating students, and dedicated their time to Camp Rainbow, offering support and encouragement to its participants.

This joint endeavor made an impact in the local community. As USA Greco-Roman Coach, Matt Lindland, aptly summarized, the experience was not only about competition but also about learning and growth, both for the athletes and coaches involved.

As the two teams faced off before an eager Boise crowd, they exchanged tokens of sportsmanship, setting the tone for the ensuing competition. The matches were intense, with Team USA delivering standout performances alongside their Serbian counterparts.

Ryan Mango of Team USA kicked off the proceedings with a stellar victory by technical fall. Despite facing challenges, including some losses, the American and Serbian wrestlers demonstrated resilience and sportsmanship throughout the dual meet. 

Mutual respect prevailed throughout the event, culminating in a post-dual celebration where wrestlers and coaches exchanged congratulations and shared moments with enthusiastic fans. In the end, while the scoreboard reflected the outcomes of individual matches, the true victory lay in the bonds forged between athletes from different nations and the positive impact they made on the local community.

As the lights dimmed in the gymnasium, and the echoes of cheering fans subsided, this Wrestling For Peace initiative will be most remembered by the work that was done outside the event in the lives of those that got to meet these athletes as they were facing their own struggle and encouraged.

Match Results:

60Kg: Ryan Mango (WCAP) def. Tama Nad (8-0)

62Kg: Kristian Fris def. Ildar Hafisov (5-4)

74Kg: Aleksandar Maksimovic def. Pat Smith (3-1)

80Kg: Viktor Nemes def. Kamal Bey (10-0)

81Kg: John Stefanowicz def. Zarko Dickov (2-2, criteria)

87Kg: Nikolai Dobrev def. Ben Provisor (5-0)