Join Sandy and Randy at the historic University Club in gorgeous downtown Portland, Oregon!

Sandy Stevens

This year’s Fall Gala, “Wrestling Beyond Borders,” will be an extraordinary evening celebrating the transformative power of wrestling as a tool for unity and peace. Wrestling for Peace is at the intersection of sport and diplomacy, bringing diverse communities together for a common cause. Your presence and contribution will help ensure the stage is set for an even brighter future.

It is an honor to welcome Sandy Stevens and Randy Couture to headline the Wrestling for Peace 2026 Fall Gala. They share a commitment to give back to the community, embodying the values Wrestling For Peace celebrates: discipline, resilience, and the unifying power of sport.

Stevens, known as the “First Lady of Wrestling,” is one of the most respected figures in the history of amateur wrestling and we are delighted to welcome her as our 2026 Fall Gala emcee. Sandy is recognized globally as a voice of the sport, serving as an arena announcer at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships for 34 years, in addition to multiple world championships, a pair of Olympic Games, and countless independent, collegiate, and high school tournaments. In recognition of her trailblazing career, Stevens became the first woman ever inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Randy Couture

Couture, UFC Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated athletes in combat sports history, will serve as guest speaker at this year’s Gala. Nicknamed "The Natural," Couture built his athletic career on a foundation of wrestling before becoming one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history. A U.S. Army veteran, Couture’s humanitarian work supports the military and retired athletes through the Xtreme Couture GI Foundation and Merging Vets & Players. He also partners with Operation Patriots FOB to aid transitioning service members. When Randy isn’t busy at his Xtreme Couture MMA training facility in Las Vegas, you might catch him on the big screen alongside some of his friends, Stallone, Lundgren, Statham, and Schwarzenneger.

In addition to our headliners, we have a lineup of special guests, entertainers and award recipients you won’t want to miss.

OUR SPONSORS

We can’t say thank our enough. We can’t do this without you.

Details:

The University Club of Portland, OR (map)

Friday, October 2, 2026

6:00pm Entertainment & Cocktails

7:00pm Dinner

8:00pm Dessert & Program

Parking garages near the University Club:

PacWest Center Parking Garage (map)

‍City Center Parking - "Plaza on 6th" Lot 38 (Enter from 5th Ave.) (map)

Optional Accommodations: The Hotel Zags Portland (see details***below)

***A block of discounted rooms with complimentary breakfast has been reserved for the night of October 2nd on a first come first serve basis. The hotel is only 2 blocks from the University Club. Use this LINK to secure your room for the night of the event. If you need additional nights, please contact Will Franklin directly at the hotel HERE to add nights at the discounted rate. By using the booking link, your guest amenity fee of $30 will be waived and you will receive discounted self-parking $20 (reg. $43).

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Gala Highlights

• Celebrate Achievements: Reflect on the milestones of the W4P 2026 Global Campaign, including the remarkable impact of the 2026 World Wrestling Championships (U17, U20, U23, and Veterans).

• Share Stories of Change: Be inspired by personal testimonials from athletes, diplomats, and community leaders.

• Strengthen Alliances: Connect with sponsors, diplomatic partners, and key stakeholders.

• Empower the Mission: Participate in fundraising initiatives to support future campaigns.

• Recognize Excellence: Celebrate the invaluable contributions of U.S. Ambassadors, government officials, and local leaders who have championed the mission of Wrestling for Peace.

• Unveil Future Plans: Gain exclusive insight into the W4P 2027 Global Campaign.

• Awards Presentations: Celebrate your favorite 2026 W4P Ambassadors with a special awards ceremony.

How You Can Make a Difference

• Volunteer: Donate your time and expertise to help us spread the message of peace through wrestling.

• Host a Table at the Gala: Elevate your support by hosting a table. Contact us for more information.

• Share on Social Media: Spread the word! Post about our mission and encourage others to get involved.

• Monthly Giving: Join us as a monthly supporter. Your ongoing commitment drives the success of our programs.

• One-Time Gift: Make an immediate impact with a single donation. Every contribution advances peace building.

• Become an Ambassador: Invest to become an Ambassador at one of our Age Group World Championships.

Let’s Build a Peaceful Future Together!

Have questions? Contact us HERE

Check out pictures from the 2025 WINTER GALA HERE.