Team USA Wrestlers To Compete In Times Square In New York May 7 Along With Beat the Streets Gala

NEW YORK - April 21, 2014 - PRLog -- In what has become a rite of spring in New York, Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. and USA Wrestling today announced details of this year's international competition, which returns to Times Square on Wednesday, May 7, this time at a new location, between 42nd and 43rd Streets in Manhattan. Competitors for Team USA and a World All-Star team featuring select wrestlers from across the world will be announced shortly.

“We are excited to be back in Times Square, the center of the universe,” said Jim Fallis, Executive Director of Beat the Streets. “We are very excited about the concept of the USA vs. the World. We are pleased that many of the best wrestlers in the world will be coming to face our American team. Where else should it be than in Times Square?”

Top Beat the Streets wrestlers will showcase their skills in exhibition matches beginning at 4 p.m. Then it's Team USA vs. the World at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Beat the Streets Award Gala at 7:30 p.m. at Best Buy Theater (1515 Broadway).

The USA vs. the World dual requires a ticket for reserved seating in Times Square, but is an outdoor event. Pedestrians and non-ticket holders are encouraged to watch. Admission tickets may be bought in advance at www.btsny.org or 212.245.6570. A ticket is required for the Gala. More details are available at http://www.btsny.org/gala/2014-gala.

The world-class competition has twice before been held in Times Square. Last year the event moved to historic Grand Central Terminal, where it was also a huge success. Dubbed “The Rumble on the Rails,” it featured dual meets between Team USA, Russia and Iran and was an important part of the international Keep Olympic Wrestling effort, which resulted in wrestling retaining its status on the Olympic Games program.

This will be the fifth straight year in which a major international-style wrestling competition will be hosted as part of the Beat the Streets Gala activities.  In 2010, an all-star challenge featuring top U.S. wrestlers was held on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. In 2011, the United States defeated World champion Russia, 5-2, the first sports event ever held in historic Times Square. In 2012, another U.S. vs. Russia dual meet was held in Times Square, along with the U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off for the 60 kg/132 lbs. position on the U.S. Olympic Team in men’s freestyle. All of these events have been great showcases for international wrestling and have received major media coverage.

Tentative Beat The Streets Wrestling Schedule
At New York, May 7, 2014

4:00 p.m. – Beat the Streets Exhibition Matches in Times Square at 43rd Street
5:30 p.m. – World Class Wrestling: Team USA vs. The World in Times Square at 43rd Street
7:30 p.m. – Gala Celebration at Best Buy Theater at 1515 Broadway

About Beat The Streets
The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTSW works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City's student-athletes achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTSW and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life skills of physical fitness, teamwork, and self-empowerment. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, and mentoring. More information can be found at www.btsny.org.

About USA Wrestling
USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and the International Wrestling Federation FILA. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. Its president is James Ravannack, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender.