Beat the Streets Cleveland is a nonprofit organization in Ohio that uses wrestling as a vehicle for change. BTS Cleveland emphasizes youth development in communities that are typically underserved. The organization teaches kids how to set and obtain goals, and how to resolve conflict. The main focal points of the program are health and wellness, social and emotional impact, and physical literacy.
Neiko Foster is an Up2Us Sports Summer VISTA at Beat the Streets Cleveland. His position there is Program Coordinator and if needed, he coaches as well. His responsibilities include working with clinicians at special events, helping set up events, and ensuring a positive experience for campers and counselors. Neiko’s favorite experience this summer has been a four-day camp that was held at John Carroll University. “I had plenty of fun with the other coordinators, campers, and coaches.”
Neiko said that BTS Cleveland “gives back to the community through the sport of wrestling, giving children a different outlook on life and a possible outlet while helping prepare the wrestlers with experience for competitions and their future.” He also added that “Beat the Streets has impacted hundreds of lives this year alone through our coaches, events, and practices.” In 2021, BTS Cleveland supported over 600 kids.
BTS Cleveland held their first Annual Benefit Gala on August 6th. This event provides the community a chance to support the organization. The gala offered a training clinic for all ages from 10 AM to 1:30 PM. The clinic featured multi-time World champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Burroughs and 3-time World Champion Lee Kemp. Others who were featured included Toccara Montgomery, Kollin Moore, and Nate Jackson. A meet and greet was held from 5:30 to 6:30 PM and the Gala began at 6:30. The Gala featured a handful of senior-level matches at Cleveland Public Auditorium.
For more information about Beat The Streets Cleveland, click here.
You can also follow them on Instagram @btscleveland, or on Twitter @BTS_CLEVELAND.
