The Coalition to Keep Wrestling In the Olympics, a group of organizations and businesses that publicly support the effort to retain wrestling as an Olympic sport, continues to grow.
 
Business organizations joining the Coalition include X-Cell WorldWide based out of Long Island, N.Y., is a marketing and representation firm under the leadership of CEO Nick Garone who recently became the exclusive agent for standout wrestler Kyle Dake. Also joining are Emeryville Sports Physical Therapy of Danville, Calif., specializing in care of athletes, the Scooter Bay Sales Company of Glen Ellyn, Ill., and 5-Kount, a wrestling apparel company from Old Tappan, N.J.
 
Two photojournalists also joined the Coalition: Larry Slater Photography of Gilbert, Ariz. frequently published on TheMat.com, USA Wrestler, and many other wrestling media. Larry was formally recognized this past weekend at the Curby Cup International Greco-Roman Wrestling tournament for his commitment to the wrestling community. CSC Sports Photography of Etna, Calif., widely recognized for photography for wrestling at Olympic, International events and other U.S. events, joined as well.
 
Four wrestling organizations have joined the Coalition: Session 6 Wrestling of Hoboken, N.J. hosts a wrestling club, camps and individual training; Excell Wrestling of Urbandale, Iowa, a wrestling club and camp that focus on the Olympic Styles of wrestling; Advanced School of Wrestling in Madison, Wis., a wrestling club dedicated to coaching wrestlers to “advanced” levels; and the Hill School Wrestling Association of Pottstown, Penn., which supports the well-known prep school by the same name.
 
A recent article on TheMat.com noted the USA Deaf Sports Federation efforts to represent deaf athletes in the U.S. and ensure equitable access to sports. This Lexington, Ky. based organization has also since joined the Coalition.
 
The addition of the above organizations and businesses brings the total number of Coalition members to 123.
 
Four wrestling organizations came together to launch the coalition: USA Wrestling, the National Wrestling Coaches Association, the Amateur Athletic Union and the National United Wrestling Association for Youth Wrestling.
 
This new coalition will include any organization that is willing to stand up and work together for a common goal, which is to insure that wrestling remains on the program of the Olympic Games.
 
The Coalition is not intended for individuals and is geared entirely to organized groups of any size that is willing to publicly support the effort to keep wrestling in the Olympics.
 
In order to join the coalition, a group must provide a contact name, email address and phone number, which will allow us to network together and execute the strategy.
 
The donation can be made online at: www.KeepWrestlingInTheOlympics.com.
 
The donation can also be made by check, made payable to USA Wrestling and mailed to:
USA Wrestling
c/o Coalition to Keep Wrestling in the Olympics
6155 Lehman Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
 
Please contact mrosati@usawrestling.org for questions concerning the Coalition.