Standing in Solidarity with Serbia
Everyone wrestles.
From rehab centers to championship arenas, our final stop in the 2025 Wrestling for Peace (W4P) Global Campaign was in Novi Sad, Serbia during the U23 World Wrestling Championships. In partnership with USA Wrestling, the US Embassy in Belgrade, UWW, and the Serbian Wrestling Federation, it was a full week of community engagement for W4P ambassadors as young Greco-Roman wrestlers and local youth discovered that resilience, courage, and shared community can turn struggle into triumph.
Battling addiction.
Two days before the competition began, Team USA took time off the mat to enter a different kind of arena — a center where men are courageously battling addiction. Athletes and coaches introduced themselves not as champions, but as fellow fighters. They know that to wrestle is to struggle—and to overcome. When taken down, it is a fight to rise again.
Each man received a medal, honoring the courage it takes to face their own fight. Signed Wrestling for Peace posters were given to athletes, fans and rehab participants, a vivid reminder of the battle to overcome. Through the generous donations of W4P supporters, including 2025 Global Campaign sponsor, GuidePoint Security, a donation was presented to the rehab center to support ongoing programs.
W4P Executive Director, Dan Russell, and W4P ambassadors shared a meal while hearing stories of small wins and big victories, and offering encouragement for the men in the fight of their lives. Two days later, these same men returned the support by cheering on U23 Greco-Roman competitors with pride and energy at Spens Arena in the heart of Novi Sad.
Toys for kids.
Later in the week, W4P ambassadors delivered toys to Roma children in a local village. Each child chose their own toy, while one boy proudly showed off his cauliflower ear, instantly connecting with Executive Director, Russell, over their shared scars of sport. Additional toys were given to a local community leader supporting youth programs. The youth listened intently, inspired by stories of struggle and resilience, and were challenged to face their own “wrestling match” in life with courage and determination.
The American Corner.
W4P ambassadors Dan Russell, Scott Lemmon, Taft Blackburn, and USA Wrestling Team Leader, Jeff Waters, visited The American Corner in Novi Sad, sponsored by the US Embassy in Serbia. They shared the the mission and impact of W4P with local community members, highlighting how wrestling can foster resilience, courage, and connection in both local and global communities.
Inspiring the region.
Finally, Russell joined Dušan Beredji Bera on his local podcast, discussing life and wrestling and the ways they intersect. W4P ambassadors also met with the World EXPO 2027 Belgrade team to share W4P as an example of the power of sport in building local and global communities—and to explore future collaborative projects, including participation at the World EXPO 2027: Play for Humanity - Sport and Music for All.
It was an incredible week, and a perfect way to wrap up our first annual Global Campaign. Stay tuned for information on our 2026 campaign events, including a stop in Las Vegas, USA, and how you can be involved.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the Wrestling for Peace 2025 Global Campaign. We look forward to celebrating our wins at our 2025 Winter Gala in Washington, DC on December 6. For tickets click HERE.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO GUIDEPOINT SECURITY FOR THEIR GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP OF THE 2025 GLOBAL CAMPAIGN.