Wrestle 4 Fun is underway!
In March of 2020, BTS was awarded an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant. This grant would support Wrestle 4 Fun, a 3-year program that aims to encourage 11,000 children (ages 6-12) to adopt active lifestyles using the sport of wrestling. Initially, this program was slated to start last year, however, we all know what happened last year.
Since then, BTS worked hard to redesign the program into an online experience that would serve the Toronto District School Board Virtual schools. Being physically active and supporting social-emotional wellbeing is more important than ever, not only for the sake of children’s physical wellbeing but also their mental wellbeing. To help children get active, BTS recruited an amazing team of wrestlers who bring their youthful, resilient, and go-getting attitude to their classes.
Meet the Wrestle 4 Fun Dream Team
When assembling our dream team, BTS put together 3 accomplished young Canadian wrestlers with outstanding achievements. We are happy to announce that Ahmed, Brea, and Dejah are leading Wrestle 4 Fun classes and inspiring a new generation of active youth!
Ahmed Shamiya
My name is Ahmed Shamiya and I am the Head Coach of the McMaster University Wrestling team. I started wrestling when I was 14 years old and although I wasn't very good to start, I immediately fell in love with the sport. Eventually, I improved and went on to wrestle for the McMaster wrestling team. During my time there, I received a Kinesiology degree and won 2 national titles. I also went on to make the on the Senior National team for a few years and now I am a retired athlete who is coaching.
When I reflect on my adolescence, I believe I was turning into a very angry and jaded teenager. Wrestling was an extremely beneficial outlet for me as it allowed me to get rid of all my pent-up aggression on the mats. It also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of a variety of cultures as I got to travel to over 20 countries during my time on the national team. Wrestling has made a huge difference in my life and I am extremely grateful to be in a career where I can help others through the amazing platform of wrestling.
Brea Rodgers
2020 OUA Female Rookie of the Year, 2020 OUA silver medallist, 2020 Junior Provincial silver medallist, 2x juvenile provincial champion, and 2019 OFSAA bronze medallist.
My name is Brea Rodgers, I am a student at York University where I am studying Psychology, and where I compete for the women’s varsity wrestling team. I started wrestling when I was in grade 10 and wanting to try something fun and new. I love to share my experiences and introduce others to the sport that has in so many ways changed my life.
Dejah Slater
My name is Dejah Slater and I am a student-athlete in the sport of wrestling. I am a 3x junior national champion, a 2018 junior Pan Am champion, a 2019 senior Pan Am champion, and a 2x OFSAA champion. I am going to be one of the three instructors running the wrestle for fun program. I’ve been working with Beat The Streets Toronto all throughout my wrestling career which will total up to about 6 years! I’m excited to be a part of such a great thing. With this program, my goal is to share and expose students within TDSB to wrestling-related workouts and teach social and emotional skills through fun workshops.
Impact so far
Wrestle 4 Fun began on 22 March, and in this short time, we have managed to hit the ground running.
36 teachers signed up for 6 weeks
408 participants served so far
28 classes delivered and counting
Testimonials
BTS must track its progress and impacts, to ensure that its online programs are effective in encouraging children to have fun while learning fundamental movement skills and gaining confidence. We are undertaking a massive evaluation plan that includes pre and post-surveys for each course, in addition to OTF surveys and teacher surveys. Below is a sample of some of the feedback from participants.
“I really enjoyed my experience and I can’t wait to do this again.”
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The stretches were amazing I felt very comfortable after I did them. All the knots and cramps in my body were gone like magic!!!! Thank you so much for this amazing program!!!”
“It was amazing! The coaches were very friendly. I had an amazing time. I would love to come back and do this again. I hope I get a chance to come back.”
Thank you!
A big thanks to Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support. We are only at the beginning of this three-year journey and we are already seeing results. Their support is impacting the lives of children during this extraordinary period in our history.
