Wrestle 4 Fun interview with former participant

This is a blog post in the Wrestle 4 Fun series. In March this year, BTS launched it's Wrestle 4 Fun program and reached more than 2,500 students. I wanted to write a blog about why this program is so important.  

To showcase the impacts of the program, I interviewed former Wrestle 4 Fun participant  Taha Shafiqi to get more insight into his experience.

Question #1: Why did you join Wrestle 4 Fun?

“Beat The Streets came to our school in grade 7, so 2017, and our class participated in what was basically an intro to wrestling. They had a couple of sessions and then said they will start an after-school program for kids who want to join. I obviously joined and continued attending because I really enjoyed wrestling, competed in friendly competition with my friends, and the coaches were really cool.” - Taha

Question #2: What did Wrestle 4 Fun teach you?

“In terms of wrestling, we were introduced to takedowns, how to take the back of an opponent, and pins. Other than actual wrestling I learned teamwork, but on the flipside I also learned independence. Wrestling teaches youth about the values of working hard and the importance of setting goals, and working hard to achieve those goals.” - Taha

Question #3: What makes Wrestle 4 Fun important? 

“Wrestle 4 Fun is a great way to integrate social emotional learning into physical literacy. Wrestling is one of those sports that is there to help young kids build their character, develop self confidence, and improve discipline. The life skills and success principles that I developed while learning to wrestle are very valuable.” - Taha

Question #4: What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining a Wrestle 4 Fun program?

“I would tell them to go for it. Before I attended Wrestle 4 Fun, I thought wrestling was just WWE. I was very wrong. Wrestling is really fun and takes fitness to another level, and you won’t regret joining. You might make friends with people you might never have thought you would like I did and learn you will get out of anything what you put in.” - Taha

I feel like this gave me more insight on the program and why it is important. I would forsure suggest this program to anyone who is thinking about joining as it can teach you many things as it did for Taha. I would also like Taha for taking part in this interview to give us all more insight on this program.