The Sunkist Kids International is traditionally the first major international event of the season, with competition in all three Olympic styles. It is the longest standing international event held in the USA. 

Top U.S. wrestlers face a difficult test from international opponents from around the world each year. Nations which have confirmed participation include Japan, Russia and Canada, with others expected.

This year, the event will be at a new venue, the Rawhide Pavillion in Chandler, Ariz. 

Greco-Roman and women's action will be on Saturday, October 27, with men's freestyle on Sunday, October 28.

The event will serve as a qualifying event for the 2008 University World Team Trials. The top U.S. athlete in each weight class who places in the top four standings in the men's freestyle and Greco-Roman divisions who are within the University age group earn a spot in the Challenge Tournament at the 2008 University World Team Trials.

Traditionally, the competition is outstanding in the year prior to the Olympic Games, as many athletes participate in the event in their preparation for the upcoming Olympic Trials process.

The 2003 Sunkist Kids International featured Greco-Roman champions Karam Gaber of Egypt and Rulon Gardner of the Sunkist Kids, both who won Olympic medals at the Athens Games. In the women's division that year, Patricia Miranda of the Dave Schultz WC and Sara McMann of the Sunkist Kids were Sunkist Kids International champions, and later won Olympic medals in Athens.

Athletes are encouraged to pre-register at:
www.sunkistkids.org

Deadline for Online Registration: October 22
Online Registration = $35
On Site Registration = $40

For information, contact Tim Gressley at 480-205-3015

SUNKIST KIDS INTERNATIONAL OPEN SCHEDULE

Friday, October 26
5:00 p.m. - Greco-Roman and Women's Registration and Medical Check
6:00 p.m. - Greco-Roman and Women's Weigh-in (+2 kg)

Saturday, October 27
9:00 a.m. - Greco-Roman and Women's Preliminaries, ¼ finals, Consolations
1:30 p.m. to conclusion - Greco-Roman and Women Semifinals, Consolations and Medal Matches
5:00 p.m. - Men's Freestyle Registration and Medical Check
6:00 p.m. - Men's Freestyle Weigh-in (+2 kg)

Sunday, October 28
9:00 a.m. - Men's Freestyle Preliminaries, ¼ finals, Consolations
2:30 p.m. to conclusion - Men's Freestyle Semifinals, Consolations and Medal Matches

2006 SUNKIST KIDS INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Greco-Roman champions
121 - Spenser Mango (Gator WC/USOEC)
132 - James Johnson (U.S. Army)
145.5 - Jacob Curby (Gator WC/USOEC)
163 - Cheney Haight (New York AC/USOEC)
185 - Aaron Sieracki (U.S. Army)
211.5 - Adam Wheeler (Gator WC/USOEC)
264.5 - Dremiel Byers (U.S. Army)

Men's freestyle champions
121 - Vic Moreno (Unattached)
132 - Chris Fleeger (New York AC)
145.5 - Jared Frayer (Gator WC)
163 - Scott Owen (New York AC)
185 - Chris Pendleton (Gator WC)
211.5 - Nik Fekete (New York AC)
264.5 - Tommy Rowlands (Sunkist Kids)  

Women's freestyle champions
105.5 - Clarissa Chun (Sunkist Kids)
112.25 - Erica Sharp (Canada)
121 - Marcie Van Dusen (Sunkist Kids)
130 - Katie Patroch (Canada)
138.75 - Alaina Berube (New York AC)
147.5 - Elena Pirozhkov (Northern Elite)
158.5 - Iris Smith (U.S. Army)