Dan Russell

HONORED TO BRING OUR PRACTITIONER RESEARCH TO THE WORLD NOMAD GAMES.
Dr. Numira Abdybekova, Joy Russell, and I have had our research accepted for publication and presentation at the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan.
Our paper carries a long title because it explores something far bigger than wrestling:
“STRUGGLE IN THE SANDS OF THE SAHARA: ARDUKH WRESTLING AS EMBODIED CULTURAL MEMORY AND RELATIONAL PEACEBUILDING AMONG SAHRAWI REFUGEE COMMUNITIES.”
We will present this work at the Sport Science Conference, exploring how Ardúkh wrestling carries cultural memory, preserves identity, strengthens community among Sahrawi refugee communities.

Honored to be alongside Dr. Nurmira Abdybekova and Joy Diane Russell with the International Sport Science community at the World Nomad Games.
From the sands of the Sahara to the shores of Issyk Kul, wrestling becomes a bridge between cultures, generations, and peoples.

Honored to be on this journey. Seeing lives impacted through our incredible wrestling family is meaningful. 🙏

Heather Rogers joined U.S. Embassy Bratislava as the Deputy Chief of Mission in July 2024 and assumed duties as Chargé d’affaires on January 16, 2026.

Her dad was a wrestler at University North Dakota. I presented her with our “Wrestling for Peace” medal at the World Finals. She cheered on Everest Leydecker as she captured gold.

She talked with Executive Director of USA Wrestling and USA Wrestling President Bruce Baumgartner.

She supported the great work of wrestling legend Slovakia’s World Champion and Olympic Medalist, Jozef Lohyna.

Great night for wrestling!

Morgan Turner Team USA
50 KG is ready. 🙏💪🙏
U20 World Championships
Bratislava Slovakia.

Wrestling for Peace Global Campaign Bratislava.

On my way to Bratislava Slovakia 🇸🇰 for the U20 World Wrestling Championships and stop #2 on our Wrestling for Peace Global Campaign. Stay tuned…

What a special weekend this is going to be in Oregon!
On October 2nd, Dan and Joe will be back in Oregon for the Wrestling for Peace “Wrestling Beyond Borders” Gala.
Then, on October 3rd, Dan and Joe will have the incredible honor of being inducted together into the Oregon Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Two brothers. Two special nights. One weekend celebrating a sport that has given us so much.

October 2 — Wrestling Beyond Borders Gala
October 3 — Oregon Wrestling Hall of Fame
Dan and Joe cannot wait to be back in Oregon and celebrate with so many of you.
It is going to be a very special weekend. I hope to see you there!

One of the most powerful moments of our time in Baku was visiting the Zafar Wrestling Club alongside the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation, USA Wrestling and the U.S. Embassy in Baku.
This club is home to children who have no parents. Through wrestling, they have found something bigger than a sport. They have found belonging, hope, and family.
One young wrestler said it simply:
“This is my family.”
That is the power of wrestling. It brings people together, builds champions, and reminds us that no child should ever have to walk alone.
Wrestling for Peace is honored to stand alongside those who are using sport to change lives, one child, one family, and one community at a time.

Congratulations to Amy Carlon, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Baku, on receiving the Wrestling for Peace Medal in recognition of her outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment, and dedicated service.

This honor reflects the power of leadership rooted in the belief that sports can unite communities, empower the underserved, and promote lasting peace. Amy Carlon’s support for local initiatives that inspire young people and strengthen international friendship is making a meaningful impact.

May this inspire many more leaders to champion opportunity and peace through service. Wrestling for Peace in Baku.