Athens: A Visionary Visit

The US U17 Men’s Freestyle Team will compete at the U17 World Wrestling Championships Athens, Greece later this summer, making the city a natural launching point for the Wrestling for Peace (W4P) 2025 Global Campaign on July 30th leading up to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Athens — the historic birthplace of the Olympics — serves as both a symbolic and strategic launchpad for a movement grounded in youth development, unity, and transformation through wrestling. In May, W4P ambassadors completed a pivotal site visit to the ancient city meeting with local NGOs, refugee advocates, and government officials to explore partnerships aimed at empowering underserved youth and creating opportunities for cross-cultural connection through sport.

“We’re here to plant seeds — to listen, learn, and lay the groundwork for something lasting,” said W4P Executive Director, Dan Russell. “Wrestling teaches discipline and respect, but it also opens hearts. That’s what this movement is about.”

From strategic meetings with the U.S. Embassy to impactful conversations in Roma and refugee communities, the visit reinforced W4P’s belief that sport, when rooted in purpose, can bring lasting peace and dignity.

As the world turns its attention to Athens for the U17 World Championships, Wrestling for Peace is building momentum for a global journey of connection, compassion, and change.