Building Momentum in Bulgaria
As anticipation builds for the second stop on the Wrestling for Peace (W4P) 2025 Global Campaign journey, W4P ambassadors and campaign partner Wrestle Like a Girl are gearing up for a dynamic event on August 17, 2025 in Samokov, Bulgaria during the U17 World Wrestling Championships. With a focus on youth empowerment, cultural connection, and community development through wrestling, this event is set to leave a lasting impact on every nation it touches.
Earlier this year, W4P visited the competition site, deepening relationships with the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation, local schools, sports leaders, and U.S. Embassy officials. The event will bring together local youth, civic leaders, and Bulgarian and American wrestlers, to experience firsthand how wrestling can be a catalyst for unity and growth.
A successful meeting with the U.S. Embassy in Sofia helped cement institutional support for the campaign. Embassy representatives pledged media coverage, event representation, and NGO connections, while expressing excitement about the campaign’s potential to elevate youth sports and strengthen ties between Bulgaria and the U.S.
“Wrestling for Peace is about far more than competition,” said Dan Russell, W4P founder and former Olympic Coach. “It’s about transforming lives by opening doors, breaking barriers, and building lasting friendships through the shared language of sport.”
At the heart of the Bulgaria campaign is Magdalena Ivanova, newly appointed Wrestling for Peace Ambassador. A Bulgarian-American athlete and media personality, Magdalena rose to national recognition as a finalist on the season 6 Games of Will: Bulgaria in 2024. A lifelong wrestler, gymnast, and judo practitioner, she is also the daughter of legendary wrestling coach, Ivan Ivanov, and director of Suples Fitness Education, helping promote wrestling methodology across the globe.
Joining Ivanova is fellow W4P Ambassador Nicole Tyson, one of the most accomplished women’s wrestling coaches in the United States. A four-time collegiate All-American and national champion, Tyson coached Oklahoma City University women’s wrestling program, her alma mater. With a decade of coaching experience, she has guided over 50 athletes to All-American honors, contributed to three national team titles, and competed internationally at the Olympic Trials, was a Junior World Champion, and Pan American Champion. Tyson brings to the campaign her passion for mentoring youth, developing women in sport, and building cross-cultural relationships.
Together, Ivanova and Tyson will lead the large-scale youth outreach event immediately preceding the opening ceremonies of the U20 World Championships. In partnership with Suples Training Systems, the event will introduce Bulgarian grade school students to physical training through hands-on training and storytelling, with U.S. and Bulgarian female athletes collaborating to distribute Suples’ Path 2 Glory wrestling mats to local schools.
From ancient Olympic roots in Athens to modern training centers, Wrestling for Peace is weaving a powerful narrative of sport as a unifier—bringing hope, purpose, and opportunity to communities around the world.