First Annual National Native American Wrestling Championships slated for June 29–July 2 in Denver

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Jennifer Vassil (USA Wrestling)
06/21/2005


As part of the Native American Sports Council's 2005 Sports Warrior Games, the 1st Annual National Native American Wrestling Championships will be held in Denver, Colorado on June 29 - July 2. The freestyle wrestling event is scheduled in conjunction with the 4th Annual National Native American Boxing Championships.    Athletes registered for the National Native American Wrestling Championships, sanctioned by USA Wrestling, will compete at the University of Denver's Hamilton Gymnasium (July 1) and Magness Arena (July 2).  Schoolboy/girl, cadet, and junior kid divisions will be represented.  Senior men and women will also be on tap to participate.    Regarding the upcoming Championships, USA Wrestling Director of State Services Mark Scott stated, "The National Native American Wrestling Championships will offer Native American athletes an outstanding opportunity to compete at the highest level.  This exciting event will showcase the dedication and hard work each of these athletes have put forth preparing for these Championships.  USA Wrestling is proud to be sanctioning this event and to be part of the outstanding programs offered by the Native American Sports Council."    USA Wrestling will conduct a Bronze Level Coaching Clinic on Thursday, June 30 from 12:00pm - 5:00pm in the Gottesfeld Room of the Richie Center on the University of Denver's campus.  The Bronze Level is the second tier after the Copper Level in the USA Wrestling National Coaches Education Program.  The clinic, focusing on wrestling technique and tactics, will be taught by a USA Wrestling certified instructor.  Participants are required to have a USA Wrestling membership.    The Native American Sports Council (NASC), a non-profit organization, remains a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and an affiliated organization with select Olympic sports federations.  According to NASC's official website, its mission is to "promote athletic excellence and wellness within Native American communities through sports programs which combine traditional Native American values with those of the modern Olympics."  The creation of multi-sport programs provides opportunities for athlete development, specifically up and coming elite-level athletes primed for national, international, and Olympic competition.    For further information, contact Tournament Director Rob Vialpando at (970) 259-3531 or soccer2wrestle@yahoo.com.  Visit www.nascsports.org for a complete event schedule.