Staten Island President Molinaro declares it “2004 U.S. Olympic Women’s Wrestling Team Day” as the b

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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
06/22/2004


It was the first full day of training for the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team for women's freestyle wrestling. In the borough where they were being hosted, it was officially their day,    At a reception at the Staten Island Hotel, Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro declared June 22, 2004 as "2004 U.S. Olympic Women's Wrestling Team Day" in the Borough of Staten Island.    Leaders in the Staten Island community welcomed the wrestling team, which chose to hold its first pre-Olympic training camp session at the di Silvestri Wrestling Center on the campus of Staten Island's Monsignor Farrell High School. This is a historic occasion because women's wrestling is the only new sport at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.    Along with Molinari, a number of Staten Island dignitaries were recognized at the dinner. The ceremony was led by Bill Crum, who serves as the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Wrestling Association (MWA) as well as the administrator of the di Silvestri Wrestling Center.    Included in the recognition was John D'Amato, who serves on the Board of NYC2012, the organization seeking to bring the Olympic Games to New York City. Stanley Friedman, owner of the Staten Island Hotel and host for the team, was also thanked for his support, along with leaders Dave Ironman and John Gallucci.    Many members of the MWA Board of the Directors made it out to Staten Island to greet the women wrestlers, celebrate their success, and wish them victory in Athens. MWA President Set Agonian, the 2003 USA Wrestling Man of the Year, made special presentations to Molinaro and D'Amato.    Other MWA leaders on hand to support the team were Paul Kieblesz, Al Bevilaqcua and Dr. Vince Zuaro.    Molinaro presented the proclamation to U.S. Olympic Coach Terry Steiner and the four Olympic athletes: Patricia Miranda (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC), Tela O'Donnell (Colorado Springs, Colo./Dave Schultz WC), Sara McMann (Colorado Springs, Sunkist Kids) and Toccara Montgomery (Cleveland, Ohio/New York AC). The proclamation said:    PROCLAMATION    Whereas: Staten Islanders appreciate the dedication and commitment of athletes to their sport and recognize that the ultimate dream for most athletes is to participate in the Olympic Games, and    Whereas: This year's United States Women's Wrestling Team has the honor of being the first U.S. women's wrestling team to compete in the Olympic Games, as women's wrestling makes it debut as an Olympic sport; and    Whereas: The coaches involved in Olympic wrestling will conduct clinics for the young people of Staten Island and New York City as part of the "MWA Beat the Streets" Youth Program, exposing the youth of our Borough to the great sport of wrestling; and     Whereas: All Staten Islanders join together to welcome and extend their best wishes to the United States Women's Freestyle Wrestling Team as they train atb the world-class di Silvestri Wrestling Center on the campus of Monsignor Farrell High School, and wish them much success at the Olympic Games and in the future.    NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES P. MOLINARO    President of the Borough of Staten Island, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the laws of the City and State of New York, do hereby proclaim June 22, 2004 as a    2004 U.S. OLYMPIC WOMEN'S WRESTLING TEAM DAY    in the Borough of Staten Island.    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Borough of Staten Island, this 22nd day of June in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand Four    Signed  James P. Molinaro    Office of the President  Borough of Staten Island  City of New York