Do you love wrestling? Would you like to help make a difference in the future of this great sport in the United States and around the world?    You can do both by deciding to attend the 2003 World Championships of Freestyle Wrestling at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Sept. 12-14.    The World Championships this year offer a tremendous opportunity for wrestling. This is an opportunity we must embrace and nurture. This is an opportunity we cannot let slip away.    Wrestling, the world's oldest sport, remains a very popular activity across the world and within the United States. It is true that wrestling has a storied past in world history. It is also true that there are no guarantees for wrestling's future.    Consider the challenges that we face in wrestling. On the international level, the International Olympic Committee has considered the elimination of one wrestling style from the Olympic Games. Both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling have been in the Olympics since the early 1900's. Two of the main reasons for this possible assault on the sport are the IOC's claim that the general public does not understand the difference in the styles, as well as a lack of media interest in wrestling. We know this is not true, but we have to prove it.    How about here in the United States? We have just gone through a full year of national public debate about Title IX and its affect on men's Olympic sports such as wrestling. This battle is nowhere near over. Although our youth programs are thriving, wrestling still fights for support and attention on the national level. As a sport, we still face barriers all over this nation, each and every day.     So what does this have to do with attending the World Championships in New York City? In my opinion, it means everything.    A successful Wrestling World Championships in New York City sends a powerful message to the world. It says that wrestling is for real. It says that wrestling intends to remain strong. It says that people care about wrestling.    Think about it. What message will a large and active crowd at the World Championships provide to others?    Remember that New York City is the business and media capital of the world. This is where those who shape public opinion live and work. This is a city in which all of the international media has bureaus and correspondents. This is where things happen on an international level.    Also remember that NYC2012 has been chosen by the U.S. Olympic Committee to be the American nominee city to host the 2012 Olympic Games. NYC2012 has decided to host the World Championships of Freestyle Wrestling as part of its commitment to the Olympic movement. NYC2012 wants to make the World Championships the greatest event that the wrestling community has ever seen. NYC2012 wants to show the world that it can conduct outstanding Olympic sports events.    What an opportunity for our sport! The fact that New York has chosen the World Championships in our sport to be the foundation on which they can prove their ability to host a World Championships event is awesome.    If we fill Madison Square Garden for the World Championships, others will be watching. The International Olympic Committee will see the importance of wrestling within the Olympic movement. The world media will cover the World Championships and spread the word about the sport's popularity. Our partners in New York will have the chance to show their stuff while helping our sport at the same time.    The other reason, and equally important, that you should attend the World Championships is that you will enjoy yourself. There is nothing like the fun of watching the best wrestlers in the world compete at the highest level. If you enjoy being involved in wrestling, this is the best action you will ever see.    Team USA also needs you there. The United States usually competes at its highest level when wrestling in our nation and supported by a loud and active audience. You can bet that some of our major competitors will have strong crowds in New York, led by supporters of Iran, Russia, Turkey and other nations.    For our athletes to succeed, there needs to be thousands of flag-waving, face-colored, red-white-and blue fanatics screaming "USA-USA-USA" every time one of our athletes is on the mat. This does make a difference. This can be the edge needed in a very close match, with everything on the line. Ask any of our athletes, and they can tell you how much your support makes them perform at their best.    The 2003 World Championships is the major qualifying tournament for the 2004 Olympic Games. Our athletes need to earn a placement at this event, or it will be very challenging for us to secure a full team of competitors for the 2004 Athens Olympics. You will be an important part of the team effort leading up to the Athens Games.    We had the chance to host the World Championships in 2001, and many people worked very hard to make it a success. However, on September 11, terrorists attacked New York City and our world changed forever. New York, the nation and the world were grieving and there was much healing to do. The wrestling championships could not be held here, and were moved to Europe. That opportunity was taken away from us by an act of evil and hatred.    Due to the support of the Slovak Wrestling Federation and FILA, we have been permitted to run the World Championships again in New York in 2003. We have been given a second chance.    This is our opportunity to shine. Please join our team and be there in New York for the World Championships. You will enjoy the action, no doubt. And you will be helping us to make a strong statement about the value and importance of wrestling for future generations.    I'll see you in New York, Sept. 12-14. Thank you.