Homer Wrestling volunteers with Salvation Army

Our wrestling program’s Community Service efforts throughout the year.

We try to meet a goal of, at least, 4 separate events per calendar year.  Throughout COVID, that has been difficult to achieve, but I made it clear that hurdle wouldn’t prevent us from being present and productive within our local communities under the appropriate guidelines.

Last Christmas we participated in our annual Santa Day in coordination with the Visions Hotel Group that last for approximately 6-8 hours.  This is generally our longest and most sought after event due to the number of children it benefits and the fact that it’s “hands on” as our student-athletes dress up in movie-quality costumes and entertain all of the kids in our community in need of gifts and the Christmas spirit.  In the spring/summer we partnered with the United Way for the better part of a day to distribute food boxes, art/athletic supplies, etc.  We also transported the remaining food boxes to 3 separate food pantries in the area following the initial event.  We are also partnering again with Christella Yonta at the United Way next week, Feb. 11, to again distribute food boxes to local families in need.

As far as the recent community service event with the Salvation Army:

We were responsible for clearing out their main gym space following their Christmas giveaways and store these items (gifts, equipment, etc.) where directed in various locations throughout the facility.

It’s important to promote a sense of pride in who we are not only as a program/sport/individuals both on and off the mat while giving back to the local communities that work so hard to give to us through their support at competitions, various fundraisers, etc. Our individual athletes need to develop and reinforce the idea of being the best and most productive community member they can possibly be by supporting ALL people.  This ideal directly relates to our sense of “team” and “commitment” and is the foundation of our success.