New York, NY (July 25, 2001) - The World Championships of Wrestling announced today that Fred Townsend of Hartford, Conn. is the VIP Contest winner for the World Championship of Wrestling. Townsend plans on bringing his large family to the event (his wife, three sons and two daughters).      "I can't believe I won such a perfect prize for me and my family" said Townsend. "Something good came out of the snowstorm that caused me to miss the wrestling finals at the EIWA Championship."    After entering into the drawing at the EIWA Championships at Penn State this winter, Townsend's name was drawn out of 10,000 contestants. Townsend attended Lehigh University and followed the wrestling program while attending the Lehigh.  He also attends the NCAA Wrestling Championships each year.     Townsend wins four Gold Pass VIP passes to the event that provide him with VIP hospitality in "The Garden," entrance to all the VIP parties and events as well as a special gift pack.  In addition, Townsend and his family will receive two rooms (four nights each) at the Lowes Metropolitan Hotel in New York City during the Championships.  His VIP week package is valued at over $5,000.      More than 600 athletes from 50 countries are expected to compete in this year's World Championships of Wrestling. This marks the first time all three wrestling disciplines (Greco-Roman, men's freestyle and womeníss freestyle) will be held together in the United States, making this event the largest World Championships of Wrestling event ever held.    The World Championships of Wrestling will take place at Madison Square Garden, September 26-29, 2001.  All-session passes, group ticket packages, VIP Gold Passes and family passes can be purchased by calling 1-866-NYC-2001.