UFC recently announced its partnership with the New York chapter of Beat The Streets Wrestling as part of fight week for UFC 309: JONES vs. MIOCIC, which took place on Saturday, November 16, at Madison Square Garden.
As a national non-profit organization that empowers boys and girls through the sport of wrestling, the New York chapter’s mission focuses on developing the full human and athletic potential of New York City boys and girls, along with the city's wrestling culture. The organization aims to make a lifelong impact through the lessons learned on the wrestling mat – discipline, perseverance, self-reliance, humility and a strong work ethic.
"We at Beat the Streets are thrilled to partner with UFC, one of the premier sporting institutions in the world, said Brendan Buckley, Executive Director – BTSNY. “Beat the Streets is dedicated to providingopportunities and resources for New York City young people to achieve their dreams, on and off the wrestling mat.
“This partnership with UFC will take our mission to the next level and provide the more than 2,500 youth we serve across all five boroughs with positive role models. Together, BTS and UFC are committed to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel, not only on the wrestling mat, but also in the classroom and in their communities."
On Thursday, November 14, UFC athletes Randy Brown and Raul Rosas, Jr., joined more than 100 local high school wrestlers for the weekly Beat The Streets training session at the Manhattan Gym near Madison Square Garden.
Randy and Raul joined BTS NY head coach Joe DeAngelo by providing instructions on specific wrestling techniques while also conducting a formal Q&A session at the conclusion of practice.
“It’s really cool to be able to come and interact with up-and-coming young wrestlers,” said Rosas, Jr. “Most of these kids are in high school, and I’m only 20, so I feel like I was just in their shoes a year ago, and to have pro athletes joining the sessions is exciting. Hopefully we were able to make a positive impact on them tonight.”
On Friday, November 15, select athletes, coaches and staff were invited to attend the UFC 309 ceremonial weigh-ins at MSG. Immediately after weigh-ins, they spent time with fellow wrestlers, including UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, and current middleweight / former NCAA Division I National Wrestling Champion Bo Nickal.
“It’s great to spend time with and meet the next generation of wrestlers,” said Nickal. “Programs like BTS are important to give kids interested in wrestling a safe space to train, along with an alternative outlet that can help propel their future. They will remember this weekend for the rest of their lives.”
At the conclusion of the meet and greet, the BTS NY team were surprised with tickets to attend UFC 309, which served as one of UFC’s highest grossing events in history.
Since being founded in 2005, Beat the Streets has pioneered a movement that now includes 150 individual wrestling programs, a youth league and the first girls high school league.
UFC and BTS NY also announced that lead reporter Megan Olivi has officially joined the New York chapter as a member of its Board of Directors.
"I am truly honored to join the Board of such an incredible organization,” Olivi said. “The impact Beat the Streets is making on the lives of New York City’s youth through the sport of wrestling is inspiring. As someone who has seen the positive influence of the sport firsthand, I know how important it is to continue their efforts. I greatly look forward to working alongside this dedicated team and contributing to the continued success of their life-changing work.”
The BTS Board of Directors is dedicated to supporting the organization’s operations and programs, which provide opportunities – on and off the wrestling mat – for urban youth across New York City’s five boroughs.
UFC’s corporate social responsibility program, #UFCInTheCommunity, strategically collaborates with partners, sponsors, and athletes to develop additional charitable programs and funding sources to help bolster and inspire the local community.
To learn more, please visit BTSNY.
