Weekly Match-ups Will Lay Groundwork for Future Events
Virginia Beach Field House, Virginia Beach- Beach wrestling is COMING to Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach in a big way!
Beginning Thursday, June 8th and continuing each Thursday through the summer I-64 Wrestling/VAWA will sponsor “beach match-ups” for wrestlers of all ages. Walk up registration will begin at 5:30pm, with match ups getting under way by 6pm each evening and continuing until approximately 8:30pm.
Beach wrestling is an emerging Olympic sport and is being touted as a possible addition to the 2028 Olympic program in Los Angeles. UWW has also expanded the Beach Wrestling World Series to include stops around the globe in 2023, and the style is a core discipline for the ANOC Beach Games, which take place this fall in Bali, Indonesia.
Domestically, beach wrestling has exploded in popularity. In 2021 it was added alongside the Spartan Nationals and USA SE Regionals in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2022 the Beach Wrestling Tour of America was launched, with stops in 11 locations from Carolina to California. The 2023 season kicked off May 20th in Carolina Beach with a record crowd including athletes from Barbados and Jamaica. Numerous states, including Virginia, have also recently announced the addition of state beach wrestling championships.
Future events coming to the Hampton Roads area will include the VAWA State Beach Wrestling Championships in late August/ early September, as well as the Trident Beach Wrestling Championships, which will be part of the 2023 Tour of America Series.
VAWA Beach Wrestling Chairperson and Virgina Wrestling Hall Of Fame member Frank Lapoli sees the beach “match-ups” as a great way to introduce the “sport of our ancestors” to local wrestlers. “Beach wrestling is a fun style and a great overlap activity that will benefit ALL styles of wrestling.” He promises great action, great fun, and ultimately envisions the Tidewater region as a launching point for future VAWA wrestlers to represent their state and their country in the Olympic games!
DETAILS
Beach Wrestling Match-ups- Wednesday’s this summer beginning June 21st 6:00-8:30pm.
LOCATION: Virginia Beach Field House Sand Courts (area includes concessions, restrooms, music, FREE parking, Outdoor lighting, and more! Lawn Chairs recommended for spectators)
REGISTRATION: On site/at the door beginning at 6:00pm. Open to ALL AGES! USA Wrestling Membership Required. $10 for wrestlers. $5 for spectators over 12.
Questions: Call 757-214-3192
