25 February 2015

     

The second season of wrestling is underway at The Salvation Army in White Center, near Seattle, WA.

The drop-in after school program welcomes boys and girls (ages 5 to seventeen) who are interested in learning the fundamentals of wrestling, as well as discipline and sportsmanship. The four-month season ends on May 2.

The free program has been well-received by families. A parent recently credited the program as a positive influence on his child’s life. He said, ‘’Thank you so much to The Salvation Army Wrestling Program for making an impact on my kid’s life.”

     

“It’s been a popular program here,” said Major Raymond Erickson-King, director of The Salvation Army in White Center. “This year, we have more than 50 kids and teens participating, and three more coaches. And we’re going to our first-ever tournament in late February.”

Major Erickson-King cites a recent grant as the reason they can accommodate more participants in the wrestling program. “Last year, we didn’t have the equipment we needed, but we made it work. Now, with the proper equipment, the kids have more confidence and feel like they are part of a team,” he said.

     

Last year, the program received a grant from Brute Wrestling to purchase uniforms and equipment for the program. Brute Wrestling provided the grant through its R.E.A.C.H.E.S. program (Rewarding Educational Athletic Choices Helping Each Sport). The non-profit organization was founded in 2007 to promote, protect and preserve the integrity of amateur athletics by providing athletic and educational opportunities to all athletes of all ages and abilities.

Athletics and academics are the cornerstones of The Salvation Army after-school program in White.

Students from nearby elementary, middle, and high schools can come to the community center and participate in various activities. The first part of every afternoon includes homework tutors and reading labs. After academic work, students enjoy a healthy snack, and then spend time in the computer lab or participating in athletics or music lessons. The after-school program is provided at no costs to the families.

Wrestling practice is held every Monday and Wednesday in The Salvation Army community center, 9050 16th Avenue SW, Seattle, 98106. Families interested in learning more or signing up for the free wrestling program should contact David Nero at The Salvation Army, 206-767-3150, ext. 108.

     


Help The Salvation Army Care For Others Throughout The Year And All Around The World

The continued work of The Salvation Army relies on the generosity of donors. If you would like to help us provide programs such as sports and afterschool programs for kids, shelters for those affected by domestic violence or homelessness, food banks and nutrition programs, as well as other vital services, please consider making an online donation today. Your donation will stay within your community to fund much-needed community programs for those in need. Every donation you make helps The Salvation Army continue "Doing The Most Good" today and in the future.

Click HERE to make a donation. Thank you!


Other Recent News You Might Have Missed

February 19, 2015

The Salvation Army Partners With AARP In Lewiston ID To Provide Tax Form Prep

February 19, 2015

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory Is Moving To Hack-Proof Its Systems

February 11, 2015

The Salvation Army Partners With King County And Seattle Public Utilities On Recycling Campaign

February 11, 2015

New Frontier Chronicle - The ‘Minor Miracle’ Of The Marian Pritchett School