Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. and USA Wrestling announced today that three Nigerian women’s wrestlers will compete at this year’s Beat the Streets event at the Seaport District (Pier 17) on Thursday, May 17. They will compete against top U.S. women at 55kg, 57kg and 59kg as part of the annual competition. Competitors for Team USA, which will likely include members of the 2016 Olympic team and 2017 World Championships team as well as other elite stars, and their opponents will be announced in the coming weeks.
Nigeria is considered the strongest women’s wrestling team in Africa. At the 2018 African Championships, Nigeria won nine of the 10 gold medals in women’s wrestling. Nigeria has developed numerous Olympians and World medal contenders in its women’s program. The athletes who will compete at the Beat the Streets Benefit have not yet been selected by the Nigerian Wrestling Federation.
“The addition of the Nigerian women’s team to this year’s Beat the Streets is a landmark moment for the event,” said Beat the Streets Chairman of the Board Mike Novogratz. “We look forward to welcoming them to New York and couldn’t be more pleased that they will be the first wrestlers to represent the continent of Africa in the history of the Beat the Streets Benefit.”
Previous international Beat the Streets opponents have included Russia, Iran, Cuba, Japan, Canada and others. This year will mark the first time that Beat the Streets has held its annual event at the Seaport District/Pier 17.
Top Beat the Streets youth wrestlers will take the mat showcasing their skills in exhibition matches beginning at 3:00 p.m. to kick off the NYC Benefit. For the third straight year, the Benefit will feature the PSAL Girls Freestyle Dual Meet Championships finals, showcasing the two top New York City girl’s freestyle wrestling high school teams from the spring girl’s freestyle season. Then it’s Team USA vs. an international squad at 6:00 p.m. with video highlights and special guest appearances followed by the Beat the Streets Benefit Celebration.
Tickets are required for entry and can be purchased at www.btsny.org or 212.245.6570 or by emailing Kate Linker at [email protected].
The Benefit Celebration at Pier 17 will follow the wrestling competition. This unique and electrifying annual event helps Beat the Streets raise significant funds to further its mission. Whether it’s providing a safe, constructive outlet for our urban youth, fighting childhood obesity, empowering women, or uniting entire nations, wrestling teaches persistence, dedication, and the value of working hard to achieve one’s goals and creates opportunities for personal and universal growth. BTS currently serve over 3,000 student-athletes every year.
2018 Beat the Streets Wrestling Schedule
The Seaport District/Pier 17, New York City, May 17, 2018
3:00 p.m. – Beat the Streets Youth Exhibition Matches
4:45 p.m. – New York City Girl’s Freestyle Dual Meet Championships Finals
6:00 p.m. – World Class Wrestling: Team USA vs. international-level squad TBD
Followed by Benefit Celebration, Pier 17