Try It Wrestling Day: A Success in Introducing Students to the Sport

On October 1st, 2024, Beat the Streets, in partnership with the Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association (OAWA), held an exciting "Try It Wrestling" event at Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute in Scarborough, Ontario. The event aimed to introduce high school students to the fundamentals of wrestling, combining fitness, fun, and new skills in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Over 130 students actively participated throughout the day, with each student immersing themselves in a 75-minute introductory wrestling session as part of their gym class. Guided by experienced coaches, the sessions began with warm and personal introductions from each coach, who shared their names, wrestling experience, and the passion they bring to the sport. This personal touch set the stage for an engaging and approachable experience for the students, fostering a sense of connection and trust.

The practice started with a 15-minute warm-up emphasizing body awareness through simple gymnastics. This crucial step helped the students develop coordination and flexibility, preparing them for the next phases of the practice. Coaches then introduced the foundational aspects of wrestling, focusing on stance and sprawling, which are essential techniques in the sport. Students impressively grasped the basics quickly through interactive drills and engaged in fun, hands-on learning.

One of the core messages throughout the day was the importance of safety. Coaches took time to ensure students understood how to practice wrestling techniques safely, especially when working with partners. After a quick break, students learned a standing single-leg takedown, giving them a taste of what it feels like to execute a real wrestling move. The practice sessions included strength and conditioning drills designed to boost endurance and energize students.

The atmosphere throughout the day was filled with enthusiasm, with coaches highlighting that wrestling is not just about competition but about having fun, being active, and learning new skills in a safe environment. This positive atmosphere, coupled with the coaches' unwavering emphasis on fun and safety, left students feeling uplifted and inspired. By the end of each session, students left with a better understanding of the sport and a newfound appreciation for wrestling.

The event was a resounding success, successfully introducing wrestling to students and encouraging youth to stay active while learning valuable physical and mental skills. With the support of beat the Streets and OAWA, we hope to continue these efforts, inspiring more young people to try wrestling and discover the many benefits the sport offers.

About the OAWA

"The OAWA is an incorporated not-for-profit organization that has been in existence for well over 50 years in Ontario (incorporated in 1978). The OAWA works with member-clubs throughout Ontario as well as other organizations like the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA), Ontario University Athletics (OUA), Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), the Coaches Association of Ontario (COA), the Sport Alliance of Ontario (SAO) and other sports groups.”

For more information, visit: https://www.oawa.ca

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 2015, we have served over 28,000 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. 

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