Effort to restore wrestling club destroyed in Afghanistan terrorist attack has begun, but more help is needed to complete task
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by Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling
USA Wrestling leader Mo Tavakolian has been working hard for more than two months seeking to bring together the international wrestling community to rebuild a wrestling club which was destroyed in early September by a terrorist attack.
On September 5, 2018, an Islamic State suicide bomber burst into the Maiwand Wrestling Club in Kabul, Afghanistan killing more than 35 young wrestlers (some very young) and members of the coaching staff. The gym was left entirely destroyed. These were individuals who, unlike the suicide bomber, sought peaceful means, specifically wrestling, to change their lives and improve others.
Through his humanitarian non-profit Hoomanities Inc, Tavakolian has been collecting donations to rebuild the wrestling club, along with contributions of wrestling equipment and gear and other resources for the Afghanistan wrestling community affected by this horrific act.
Additionally, funds will be used to pay for residual medical bills and donations to the families affected by those killed, as many of the athletes were supporting their families. Those families are heavily affected.
“Such cowardly acts are not just an attack on the people of Afghanistan but on humanity and hope. That’s why we are seeking your help to make sure the dreams of those killed in this horrible act, and those that want to continue in their path, continue to pursue their dreams through wrestling. Hoomanities Inc, in conjunction with Azad Brand, has committed to rebuild the Maiwand Wrestling Club. We plan to build a facility that is stronger and better,” said Tavakolian
A GoFundMe page has been set up for this project.
https://www.gofundme.com/maiwan-wrestling-club-blastskabul?member=852630
The fundraising site has raised $8,984 from 70 donors since it was created on October 1. The goal for this fundraising effort is $25,000, so more people who share this vision are asked to participate.
Those who have stepped forward have gotten this important effort started. The first two phases of the project are already getting implemented,
Phase I (posted October 15): Mats, wrestling gear, some training ropes were delivered. During Phase I, purchased items included two huge mats, throw dummies, 100 singlets, battle ropes, climbing ropes, some shoes and other supplies.
Phase II (posted November 19): Additional exercise equipment, such as treadmills, weight training equipment (such as bench press, dumbbells, kettle-bells) are in this phase. A number of elite sports and lifestyle brands committed to this project and will help support in providing gear, funds, logistics and more. Special thanks to the Novogratz family for their generous help, which was key in being able to pay costs associated with PHASE II and the rebuilding of the facility. The Club is working on an official grand opening shortly
“We would love to start PHASE III and provide the additional equipment to the gym. We also hope to send a few coaches to provide a clinic for the athletes at the Maiwand Wrestling Club,” said Tavakolian.
With the holiday season approaching, those seeking a way to make a difference in the world should consider supporting this project for fellow wrestlers in need.
“I ask of you to please join us as we restore hope and humanity through the sport of wrestling, as we are all one family united,” said Tavakolian.
On September 5, 2018, an Islamic State suicide bomber burst into the Maiwand Wrestling Club in Kabul, Afghanistan killing more than 35 young wrestlers (some very young) and members of the coaching staff. The gym was left entirely destroyed. These were individuals who, unlike the suicide bomber, sought peaceful means, specifically wrestling, to change their lives and improve others.
Through his humanitarian non-profit Hoomanities Inc, Tavakolian has been collecting donations to rebuild the wrestling club, along with contributions of wrestling equipment and gear and other resources for the Afghanistan wrestling community affected by this horrific act.
Additionally, funds will be used to pay for residual medical bills and donations to the families affected by those killed, as many of the athletes were supporting their families. Those families are heavily affected.
“Such cowardly acts are not just an attack on the people of Afghanistan but on humanity and hope. That’s why we are seeking your help to make sure the dreams of those killed in this horrible act, and those that want to continue in their path, continue to pursue their dreams through wrestling. Hoomanities Inc, in conjunction with Azad Brand, has committed to rebuild the Maiwand Wrestling Club. We plan to build a facility that is stronger and better,” said Tavakolian
A GoFundMe page has been set up for this project.
https://www.gofundme.com/maiwan-wrestling-club-blastskabul?member=852630
The fundraising site has raised $8,984 from 70 donors since it was created on October 1. The goal for this fundraising effort is $25,000, so more people who share this vision are asked to participate.
Those who have stepped forward have gotten this important effort started. The first two phases of the project are already getting implemented,
Phase I (posted October 15): Mats, wrestling gear, some training ropes were delivered. During Phase I, purchased items included two huge mats, throw dummies, 100 singlets, battle ropes, climbing ropes, some shoes and other supplies.
Phase II (posted November 19): Additional exercise equipment, such as treadmills, weight training equipment (such as bench press, dumbbells, kettle-bells) are in this phase. A number of elite sports and lifestyle brands committed to this project and will help support in providing gear, funds, logistics and more. Special thanks to the Novogratz family for their generous help, which was key in being able to pay costs associated with PHASE II and the rebuilding of the facility. The Club is working on an official grand opening shortly
“We would love to start PHASE III and provide the additional equipment to the gym. We also hope to send a few coaches to provide a clinic for the athletes at the Maiwand Wrestling Club,” said Tavakolian.
With the holiday season approaching, those seeking a way to make a difference in the world should consider supporting this project for fellow wrestlers in need.
“I ask of you to please join us as we restore hope and humanity through the sport of wrestling, as we are all one family united,” said Tavakolian.
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