Zambia: From the Mat to Global Ambassadorship

With a background in wrestling in Idaho, a bond was forged between two successful athletes, Larry Steckman and Dan Russell. Little did they know that their shared passion for wrestling would lead them on a journey to become Wrestling For Peace Ambassadors, spreading love and hope across borders and cultures.

One of Steckman’s pivotal moments came when he found himself discussing sanitary pads with the First Lady of Zambia—a story unfolded to the unexpected doors that open through a commitment to service. His unorthodox journey has led Wrestling for Peace to working on projects from sport diplomacy to establishing medical clinics, delivering medicine and manufacturing feminine pads.  

A former wrestler for Bonners Ferry High School, Steckman found inspiration in his love for wrestling to embark on a mission greater than himself. Together with Dan Russell, a former world-class wrestler, they have joined forces to utilize wrestling as a vehicle for positive change.

Their work has taken them to remote regions like the Sahara Desert in Algeria, where they provided medical aid to the Sahrawi Tribe, a refugee community. Along the way, they formed partnerships with organizations like Make it Rain, focusing on delivering medicine and aid to regions in Zambia, Uganda, and beyond. 

Steckman continues to support and encourage local wrestling programs, recognizing the transformative power of the sport in shaping character and fostering community spirit. Wrestling for Peace offers hope—a reminder that even in the midst of struggle, we can find common ground and unite in the pursuit of a more compassionate world.

As Steckman and Russell continue to spread their message of love and solidarity, they remind us all that true strength lies in our ability to lift each other up, regardless of the challenges we face.