Algeria: Struggle in the Sand of the Sahara
USA Wrestling ambassadors encountered an ancient wrestling civilization in the Sahara Desert. Ambassadors Dan Russell and Kiki Kelley visited the Tindouf Province in Algeria, North Africa from November 3rd-8th, 2018. Wrestling is a rich part of the Sahrawi Bedouin tribe’s story for thousands of years. These rugged people inherited a beautiful history, deeply rooted in the sport.
Afghanistan: Hooman’s Hope
In the wake of a devastating suicide bombing on September 3, 2018, the Maiwand Wrestling Club in Kabul, Afghanistan, was left in ruin, claiming 26 lives, 16 of whom were young wrestlers, and wounding another 91 people, including members of the coaching staff. This senseless act left behind a host of shattered dreams.
USA: Wrestling For Rockport
When Wrestling for Rockport started on Thursday it was more than a wrestling meet. It was a new start for a Rockport family. Jonathan Mauricio and his wife, Lynae Lanfair, evacuated to Austin with their two daughters Madison Mauricio, 11, and Zoe Mauricio, 5, and had no idea what would happen. When they returned they found their house severely damaged, and it needed to be rebuilt.
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 training venture between Team USA and the Serbian Greco-Roman National Team. In a remarkable display of athleticism and goodwill, both teams converged to showcase not only their sporting prowess but also their commitment to serving the community.
Iran: “Kiki” Wrestles For Diplomacy
In May 2014, when Wrestling for Peace Ambassador, Christina "Kiki" Kelley, stepped onto Iranian soil for the Greco-Roman World Cup, she expected to have to navigate cultural differences cautiously. Clad in appropriate conservative Islamic dress, Kiki anticipated blending into the background, but what she found was a nation fervently passionate about wrestling with a warm reception that shattered her preconceptions.