Iranian Wrestlers in Time Square and Los Angeles, Wrestling Diplomacy Continues
The wrestling diplomacy between the US and Iran continues as Iranian wrestlers are headed to Los Angeles to defend the Wrestling World Cup Championship title in June (Event and Tickets Link). The diplomacy was also in full display on Thursday night in the iconic Time Square, New York, where tourists and sponsor/donors witnessed world-class junior Iranian and American wrestlers compete in the open in the shadow of towering flashy billboards. The friendly event (link) was organized by Beat the Streets (BTSNY), a non-profit organization, founded by investment banker Michael Novogratz, that provides a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth in New York schools, through wrestling, learn the essential life lessons of personal responsibility, physical fitness, education, and teamwork.
The Iranian American Board member at BTSNY, Hooman "Mo" Tavakolian, shared the news with Kodoom.com. Hooman, a former college wrestler and coach himself, is Deputy Chief Compliance Officer at Cyrus Capital Partners, Vice President of the New York Athletic Club Wrestling Club, and an avid ambassador to wrestling with his close ties with the Iranian and Brazilian wrestling federations and national teams. "Wrestling, like music, is a global language, understandable and enjoyable by all nations, so unlike politics, it can connect people through common joy and friendship," Hooman shares with Kodoom.com, preluding the friendly tournament he spearheaded two years ago between US wrestlers and Iranians in the small town of Jooybar in Northern Iran. "The camaraderie was great. People in the small Iranian town of 70,000 overpacked the 1700-seat gymnasium, cheering both Iranians and Americans. American wrestlers were impressed and felt very welcome."
Hooman believes "failure is never an option" so through his Non-Government Organization (NGO) he has started a wrestling outreach program through which he donates wrestling gear to kids in need around the world (including Iran) and by mentoring student athletes to provide them with a path to success and self-esteem.
Hooman believes Iran is in a difficult group in the upcoming World Cup matches in Los Angeles (Event and Tickets Link). "Azarbaijan and United States are tough teams. Americans are competing at home and out for taking the Championship title away from Iran."
Last year in the World Cup, the majority of the 4000 seats in THE FORUM were used by loud Iranian American fans who waved flags, blew horns and sang for Iranian team but also cheered for US wrestlers. "We see more Iranians here in Los Angeles than any other City.. It’s like wrestling in Tehran," said Iranian 61 kg wrestler Behnam EHSANPOOR (story link). With an estimated one million Iranian Americans, California is now home to the largest population of Iranians in diaspora, who have, regardless of their political backgrounds, historically supported Iranian teams visiting the United States. In the 1970's, Iran helped US Wrestling Federation train athletes and initiate professional programs across America.
Kodoom.com is an official ticketing partner with USA Wrestling for 2016 World Cup, offering a limited number of Two-day Preferred Seating, including the finals, for Iranian-American fans at 20-40% savings vs. Single-Day or official online Combo prices (link).
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