We, along with our hosts from Pentathlon Alberta, look forward to seeing you in Calgary.
It’s been a while, but also very busy…..
Check out a picture from a couple of weeks ago at the McDonalds on Georgia street in downtown Vancouver. This was in support of McHappy Day, where proceeds from sales at all McDonalds were given to children in need. I was a little nervous at first, but Ronald definitely made me feel at home! I do want to say that I’m not exactly endorsing a McDonalds diet for kids (how many people have seen that “pink slime” video???), but this was day was for the kids, and another way to allow wrestling to help out.
The upcoming International Olympic Committee vote is around the corner! This vote will be made by a very small number of wealthy members, called the Executive….who will then make a recommendation of which sports they think should stay in the Games, with a final vote to be held in September for all member nations. The thinking is that this upcoming vote by the Executive is the biggest hurdle to overcome because it is being made by people who would much rather support “Elitist” sports rather than a rough/tough sport like Wrestling. If we get approved for September our chances are very good because out of all of the nations in the world, 180 compete in wrestling- no other sport can have that kind of support at the vote (unless briefcases of money change hands).
This upcoming vote is crucial for our Sport, but we have several things going for us right now. First, we have made major changes in the rules and our governing body. Second, out of the 5 people making Wrestlings’ presentation to the IOC, two of the presenters are the best BC/Canada has ever produced- Daniel Igali (Olympic Gold), and Carol Huynh (Olympic Gold, Bronze); I trust in their preparation. Third, the meeting is in Russia…..all of those in our sport know what I mean when I say that I’m confident the Russians will make the IOC an offer they can’t refuse.
As for the rest of you, I want each and every one of you to go to this link and vote for wrestling to stay in the Games; then post it on your wall. This poll takes 2 seconds, and is being conducted by the IOC. Wrestling was waaaaaay ahead, but somehow Squash was able to miraculously generate 40,000 votes overnight….? (shady)
Thanks for the support Team!!!!!
http://www.insidethegames.biz/polls/71-which-sport-do-you-think-the-ioc-should-vote-to-include-on-the-olympic-programme-for-2020
https://www.swimming.ca/NewsArticle.aspx?newsid=3643
