Turning an Idea into Action: The Role of True North Financial

The inception of Down to Wrestle was born from a simple yet profound idea: to create an inclusive wrestling program for children with Down syndrome. And this vision found its champion in Chris Smela, founder of True North Financial Services, who transformed our concept into reality.

Chris and Johann's friendship was forged during their time serving together in the same military squadron. After retiring from service, they remained close, supporting each other's endeavors. Chris channeled his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit into establishing True North Financial Services, which has since grown into one of Saskatoon's leading financial firms.

Upon learning about the initial successes of Down to Wrestle, Chris proactively offered his support. His contributions have been instrumental in providing scholarships for our student-athlete volunteers and supplying essential resources like t-shirts and even this webpage. His unwavering belief in our mission has been a cornerstone of our growth.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Chris Smela and True North Financial Services for their foundational support. Their partnership has been pivotal in turning our vision into a thriving reality.

Beyond his support for our program, Chris and his team at True North Financial Services possess extensive knowledge in financial planning for children with disabilities. They offer expert guidance on the Disability Tax Credit, long-term savings strategies, and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), ensuring families are well-prepared for the future.