Spotlight on the Cambridge Bay Wrestling Club: Empowering Inuit youth through wrestling
At Beat the Streets, we are thrilled to highlight the incredible work of the Cambridge Bay Wrestling Club (CBWC), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and empowering Inuit youth in Nunavut. Our collaboration with CBWC aligns with our mission at Beat the Streets to support organizations that positively impact their communities.
A legacy of wrestling and empowerment
The Cambridge Bay Wrestling Club, based in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, is a non-profit organization that focuses on young wrestlers' long-term social and athletic development. Their mission is to nurture healthy, confident, and resilient Inuit youth through positive coaching, training, competition, and mentorship.
Core values and impact
CBWC operates under core values that emphasise respect, skill development, teamwork, and community service. These values are the foundation of its programs, which aim to create safer communities, promote health and wellness, and build resilience among Inuit youth.
Safer communities: The club provides a safe and positive after-school program, engaging 100 students during critical after-school hours and reducing the risk of antisocial behaviour.
Healthy Inuit youth: CBWC promotes more nutritious and active lifestyles among Cambridge Bay's youth through top-level wrestling classes.
Resilient Inuit youth: The program teaches leadership skills that boost confidence and discipline, helping youth navigate everyday challenges and aspire to greater achievements.
Improved relationships: Through social and emotional skill development, CBWC fosters positive relationships between youth, their families, peers, school staff, and community members.
Life-saving skills: The club equips youth with coping skills to deal with negative behaviours, potentially saving lives and enhancing their capacity to face challenges.
Inuit role models: By participating in tournaments and community events, CBWC increases the visibility of positive Inuit role models, inspiring future generations and enhancing community pride.
A history of success
Cambridge Bay Wrestling Club's Eekeeluak Avalak and Coach Chris
CBWC was founded in 2015 by Chris Crooks, a veteran wrestling coach with over 35 years of experience. Since its inception, the club has grown significantly, providing leadership and athletic training to Inuit youth aged 6 to 18. The program's success is exemplified by athletes like Eekeeluak Avalak, who became the first athlete from Nunavut to win a gold medal at the Canada Summer Games.
“This program has taught my son to believe in himself, have self-discipline and responsibility, and just have the love he has as a young person growing up in a small community. If not for the dedication of these two coaches, I don’t know where my son would be today in life. Since joining wrestling, my son is a role model in the community, not only to his peers but also to younger and older youth and adults in the community.”
Meet the team
Chris Crooks, President, Coach, Mentor: With multiple All-Canadian honours and national team titles, Chris brings a wealth of experience to CBWC. His dedication to youth mentoring and event management has made a lasting impact on the wrestling community.
Paula Cziranka, Vice President, Coach, Mentor: Paula's extensive experience in coaching and teaching at-risk students has been instrumental in organizing impactful programs and events, including the Nunavut Wrestling Championships and Camps.
Zachary Cziranka-Crooks, Executive Director and Assistant Coach: With a background in multiple sports and a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources, Zachary has been a key figure in organizing sports events and coaching at CBWC.
Loryn Evans, Coach: A multi-sport athlete and coach, Loryn has worked with Indigenous youth in various capacities. She brings her experience as a youth addiction counsellor to her role at CBWC.
Haley Heffel, Assistant Coach: An accomplished wrestler with national titles, Haley also brings her expertise in physical education to CBWC, enhancing the overall development of young athletes.
Watch the video
We recently had the opportunity to film and interview Chris Crooks at a wrestling tournament in Brampton, Ontario, in December 2023. The video showcases the amazing work being done by CBWC and features some of the talented youth in action. We invite you to watch the video and be inspired by their dedication and achievements.
About Beat the Streets:
At Beat the Streets, our mission is to advance the education of low-income children and youth in the Greater Toronto Area through fun and unique sports, life skills, and employment-based development programs. Since 2014, we have served over 30,000 young individuals through our Wrestle 4 Fun, Level Up, You Grow Girl, Work It (Summer Jobs), and Volunteer programs, providing them opportunities to develop their physical, mental, and social well-being. We believe in empowering the next generation by breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success.
Join us in our mission to impact youth:
Join us in making a difference by supporting our cause and learning more about how you can contribute to the education and growth of children and youth in need. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all.
