Throwing Down: Restoring Wrestling in DC One Student at a Time
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” -Lao Tzu
While competitive wrestling requires a mat, two opponents and a referee, the beauty of the sport lies in instilling the values of focus, discipline, and accountability. These individual traits, developed over time by wrestling athletes, always began with a first step.
Wrestling to Beat the Streets DC (BTS DC) provides the youth of Washington their first step in what hopes to become their lifelong journey in the sport and aims to restore the wrestling culture of the city.
DC students get a taste of wrestling with a hands-on demonstration with throwing dummies
Using throwing dummies, BTS DC has the ability to introduce our inclusive sport in an accessible, and interactive way. Part of BTS DC’s mission is to show DC kids that, through wrestling, anything is possible.
“I didn’t think wrestling was for girls,” one student said. “But after my friend and I got to try it out, I told her, ‘we need to do this!’”
It is one thing to be shown a sport, or told about it; but it is a completely different experience to actually participate. That is why we are taking throwing dummies to DC public schools in order to provide hundreds of students with their first taste of wrestling.
“At first, some of these kids are skeptical and apprehensive when they first hear that they’re going to learn about wrestling,” BTS DC Director of Programming Jay LaValley said. “That apprehension turns to excitement, after they get their first hands-on experience in the sport. When they leave, we hope they remember that wrestling is fun, and there is now a team for them to join.”
These demonstrations are led by some of the nation’s top wrestling athletes and coaches. First, the coaches introduce the throwing dummies, show basic wrestling movements and explain the fundamentals of the sport.
Then, it is hands-on time. Armed with their new knowledge of the sport, dozens of kids have the opportunity to take down their stuffed opponents.
Within moments, laughter fills the gym. For these kids, it is a brief respite of everyday life. For BTS DC, their laughter inspires us. We are planting the seed that wrestling brings more than just fun or an escape. Wrestling teaches us focus, discipline, and accountability; all qualities that are essential for a successful life on and off the mat. It’s with these qualities, we can enrich the wrestling community of DC.
Since starting these demonstrations two years ago, more than 500 students have been introduced to the sport. By taking over gym classes and holding after-school clinics, we have seen participation in the sport doubled at DCPS middle schools. In addition, we built, from the ground up, three high school and two middle school wrestling programs in DC charter schools. We provided wrestling mats, shoes, headgear and recruited coaches to inspire these athletes.
To continue to reach more kids and encourage personal development and empowerment we need your support. Your generosity can help spread the mission of inspiring the youth of DC through the sport of wrestling. Click here to make your gift today!
