Down with Donovan

From the very start, Joe has been one of Down to Wrestle’s most enthusiastic participants, and if you ask him who his favorite wrestler is, the answer is always the same—Donovan, the Huskies’ team captain. Joe’s admiration for Donovan goes beyond just watching him compete; he’s inspired by the way Donovan leads, encourages, and embraces the sport. Every session, Joe brings that same energy, pushing himself on the mat and proving that wrestling isn’t just about inclusion—it’s about developing real skills.

That impact is now spreading beyond our program. Joe’s elementary school was recently selected among only a few schools to be part of a larger wrestling initiative to grow the sport of wrestling in Saskatoon. This opened up even more opportunities for young athletes like Joe to step onto the mat. It was absolutely heartwarming to see Joe not just attend but actively participate—his confidence growing with every match. , his excitement evident in every movement. Watching him put what he’s learned into action was a powerful reminder of why this program matters so much.

And Joe made sure everyone knew exactly where his wrestling journey started. Proudly sporting his Down to Wrestle swag, he stood as a testament to how far he’s come—not just in skill, but in self-belief. Moments like these show that Down to Wrestle isn’t just introducing kids to wrestling; it’s giving them a place to belong, grow, and shine. Joe’s journey is just one example of the real success being built on and off the mat.