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  Sports   In Other sports  15 Aug 2019  Wrestling toughies have a soft side too

Wrestling toughies have a soft side too

THE ASIAN AGE. | MOSES KONDETY
Published : Aug 15, 2019, 3:09 am IST
Updated : Aug 15, 2019, 3:09 am IST

Working with the Special Olympics is one of my favourites, it’s about the movement of inclusion and breaking down of stigmas and stereotypes.

WWE star Becky Lynch and Ali pose with rowers from the Ontario Special Olympics after the dragon boat race during a community call at Ashbridge’s Bay in Toronto.
 WWE star Becky Lynch and Ali pose with rowers from the Ontario Special Olympics after the dragon boat race during a community call at Ashbridge’s Bay in Toronto.

Toronto: They might fling their challengers around, come down hard on them, and drag them by the hair out of the ring too, but WWE wrestlers also have hearts that beat for the challenged sections of the society. That was evident at the serene waters of Ashbridge’s Bay here where a couple of them representing the toughies teamed up with members of the Ontario Special Olympics to take part in a dragon boat race where everybody came out a winner.

Becky Lynch and Ali got into two different boats and paddled alongside physically and mentally challenged athletes as WWE sent out a strong message that it cared for the community.

“It feels special to be part of this event and I can’t thank people connected with it to ensure we spent time with these guys from different demographic backgrounds. I am at a loss to describe in words how much fun I had,” an excited Ali said after the race.

“I will not forget today. I’ve got to carry stuff like that with me for the rest of my life. To work with athletes with such disabilities is very satisfying. What I do in the ring is passion. What I do outside it is very fulfilling,” the 33-year-old enthused.

Becky too was bowled over. “Our Team Champ won!” she exclaimed.

“Working with the Special Olympics is one of my favourites, it’s about the movement of inclusion and breaking down of stigmas and stereotypes.

“Having everybody work together and creating harmony to win the race was good fun. It’s terrific if I can bring some joy to anyone,” the Irishwoman added.

Tags: becky lynch, wwe