When We Band Together needs your help to bring martial arts & wrestling programming to the Dave Schultz Sports and Wellness Center in Lesvos, Greece.
About the Program
Being able to provide wrestling & martial arts program for the displaced men, women, and children stuck on Lesvos would provide welcome breaks of joy during a very difficult time in their lives. Furthermore, sports like wrestling offer a unique opportunity for refugees from different backgrounds to bond and build friendships. This program would be one of very few team sports offerings for the 10,000+ people living at the refugee camp.
The Schultz Center and classes on the property will be open to all. Matches and practices will be offered multiple times per week, and will serve hundreds of people regularly.
About the Organizer
Nancy Schultz Vitangeli sits on WWBT's leadership council and is the widow of World and Olympic Champion wrestler, Dave Schultz who was murdered by millionaire John du Pont in 1996. Nancy formed the Dave Schultz Wrestling Foundation which funded American wrestlers and placed 2 athletes on the 1996 Olympic Team. She was named Woman of the Year by USA Wrestling in 1998, and has served on the board of the National Governing Body, USA Wrestling, as well as the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board of Directors. Nancy received the Order of Merit and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018. She is a partner at Rudis Sports Apparel Company based in Marysville OH. Nancy is most proud of her children Xander and Danny Schultz.
When asked why he has decided to help bring this program from dream to reality she responded “Building a space and creating programing that can provide dignity and humanity in an overcrowded and dangerous refugee camp is the main objective of the Dave Schultz Sports, Art and Wellness Center. We will provide a place for children and adults to participate in athletics, art and seek mental health services. Wrestling and marital arts are some of the oldest sports and traditions which have provided opportunities to build relationships across political boundaries and cultures throughout history. It is important to me to use my involvement in the sport of wrestling, to help educate, unite and support the refugees suffering in the Moria refugee camp. My focus will be on funding equipment and programming for the Navid Afkari Wrestling room".
How will Funds be Used
Funds will be used to pay for all necessary equipment and resources - including the mats, gear, and gym attire as well as a share of the rent, utilities and staff of the center the program is housed at.
About the Dave Schultz Sports, Arts, and Wellness Center
We are on a mission to offer vital services and programming that support mental and physical health. This Center is one of the very few spaces on the island specifically built for growth, healing and empowerment. This is an extremely special space where residents can step out of the dire conditions of the camp to find free services aimed to help them thrive.
About When We Band Together
When We Band Together is a non-profit dedicated to creating safe spaces and vibrant places for refugees. WWBT has been active on Lesvos since 2015. You can learn more here and follow us on Instagram - @WhenWeBandTogether.
We'd love for you to join us in our mission!