USA Wrestling and All-American Wrestling Supply donate gear that benefits African wrestlers
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by Elizabeth Wiley
USA Wrestling gear donated by All-American Wrestling Supply (AAWS) to the U.S. Army has been put to good use by troops stationed in Africa.
"The U.S. Army works with the embassy in Niger, and the local people were trying to get a wrestling club started up," said Joe Miller, sales manager for AAWS. "They had never had a wrestling club before. Basically they were looking for warm ups, equipment to train in, gear to roll around in."
Donated t-shirts, bearing the USA Wrestling logo and event logos, were presented before a large crowd to the national traditional wrestling team in the stadium in Niger by the U.S. Ambassador.
"This was one of the most successful programs in Niger that was sponsored by the embassy," SSG Brad A. Thill said, "The t-shirts will be worn for years to come."
While wrestling in Niger may seem unfamiliar with dirt rings and uniforms that include skirts, this traditional wrestling is as important there as folkstyle is in the United States. The 2007 Niger Traditional Wrestling Championships featured around 100 athletes, over 20,000 spectators, and was broadcast nationally each day.
USA Wrestling and AAWS are proud to have an impact on wrestling competitors and fans on the other side of the world.
"To start a wrestling club from the ground up is definitely a challenge and we were glad to help make that a reality," said Miller.
Based in Wisconsin, the AAWS is the official merchandiser of USA Wrestling. Proceeds from purchases made at AAWS benefit all levels of wrestling and a portion of sales go directly to USA Wrestling. Visit the AAWS website, www.usawrestlingproducts.com, for more information about the company.
"The U.S. Army works with the embassy in Niger, and the local people were trying to get a wrestling club started up," said Joe Miller, sales manager for AAWS. "They had never had a wrestling club before. Basically they were looking for warm ups, equipment to train in, gear to roll around in."
Donated t-shirts, bearing the USA Wrestling logo and event logos, were presented before a large crowd to the national traditional wrestling team in the stadium in Niger by the U.S. Ambassador.
"This was one of the most successful programs in Niger that was sponsored by the embassy," SSG Brad A. Thill said, "The t-shirts will be worn for years to come."
While wrestling in Niger may seem unfamiliar with dirt rings and uniforms that include skirts, this traditional wrestling is as important there as folkstyle is in the United States. The 2007 Niger Traditional Wrestling Championships featured around 100 athletes, over 20,000 spectators, and was broadcast nationally each day.
USA Wrestling and AAWS are proud to have an impact on wrestling competitors and fans on the other side of the world.
"To start a wrestling club from the ground up is definitely a challenge and we were glad to help make that a reality," said Miller.
Based in Wisconsin, the AAWS is the official merchandiser of USA Wrestling. Proceeds from purchases made at AAWS benefit all levels of wrestling and a portion of sales go directly to USA Wrestling. Visit the AAWS website, www.usawrestlingproducts.com, for more information about the company.
