“America needs wrestling”
                        -- Dan Gable

You are cordially invited to join me and my friends at Beat the Streets on the decks of the USS Intrepid to ensure New York does its part in fulfilling Gable’s statement. I promise that you will see world class wrestling in a setting that will amplify the energy that is New York.  We are working on a card of six matches â€" two highlighting the kids from Beat the Streets, and four showcasing some of the nation’s best wrestlers. I’ll send the final line-up soon, but trust me, you will not be disappointed.    

We picked the USS Intrepid to highlight the link between our sport and service. I never tire of mentioning that 14 of the country’s 44 presidents were wrestlers.  Wrestling is a sport that builds leaders.  In large part, it is why I am so passionate about this program.  It is also a sport with a very patriotic core.  We plan on bringing that part of our sport to New York by honoring those wrestlers who have served the country in the armed forces, in government, and in local communities.

We also honor the coaches who are really the reason our program exists. The wrestling coach is the agent of change. He is the disciplinarian, the teacher, the motivator, the organizer, and when need be, the surrogate parent.  Beat the Streets was set up to help find, train, and support coaches.   

The Beat the Streets benefit is about having fun. It’s a night to celebrate wrestling culture. It’s also a night for me to ask loudly for your help. We need your money, your time, your wisdom, and your good energy. Please give what you can. Know that the entire cost of the benefit as well as the administration of the program is paid for by the Board. Every dollar you donate will go to camps, equipment, or coaching. So reply to this email, or use the order form. Dig deep.   And feel free to forward this to as many wrestlers as you know, or non-wrestlers if they are tough.

Thank you as always for all the support.  Without you, Beat the Streets couldn’t provide a wrestler’s education to some 4,000 of New York City’s future.

Mike Novogratz

EDITOR'S NOTE: Mike Novogratz, the U.S. Freestyle Team Leader, has been a key leader in the formation and success of the Beat the Streets program in New York City

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