DOZENS of young athletes got an introduction to the sport of wrestling through a summer clinic offered by Miami’s Inner City Wrestling Club (ICW) in association with the Bahamas Amateur Wrestling Federation (BAWF).

Coach Wilbert Johnson, ICW programme manager, led a team of coaches and other volunteers to Nassau, where they gave lessons in core wrestling skills. Instructors included Earl Hall, a four-time Florida wrestling champion and former wrestler for Iowa State University, Dr Joey Miller, a college female champion and Mervin Ford, a USA Wrestling official.

“Our children were fortunate to have quality instructors to introduce them to the sport,” said Clarence Rolle, president of the BAWF. “Some of them already had general knowledge of wrestling, and the clinic enhanced their skills. “But whether they were beginners or a bit more advanced, everyone came away with a greater love and appreciation for what wrestling is. The BAWF is going to build on the momentum.”

Rolle said ICW has a grand vision of steering at-risk children towards positive involvement in sports.

He said ICW’s motto of keeping children “On the Mats and Off the Streets,” perfectly aligns with the goals of the BAWF and its partners.

The camp was also facilitated through the cooperation of the Ministry of Youth & Sports and the Bahamas Judo Federation.