Beat the Streets raises more than $150,000 with 2023 Year-End Campaign

Donations will help BTS continue to make a lifelong impact on New York City student-athletes through the sport of wrestling.

Beat the Streets is proud to announce it raised more than $150,000 during its 2023 year-end campaign for its programs that make a lifelong impact on New York City student-athletes through the sport of wrestling.

The campaign highlighted two exceptional student-athletes in the BTS Academy enrichment program - Christian Solano and Marielys Lugo.

Solano shared his wrestling journey from BTS' Junior League program, New York City's only middle school wrestling league, to becoming a two-time state medalist. He's looking to cement his legacy with a state championship in February. Lugo detailed how she has gained a sense of purpose because of wrestling and improved academically since being involved with BTS.

"We are grateful for the continued support we receive from our supporters who are committed to youth development and youth wrestling in New York City," BTS Executive Director Brendan Buckley said. "Christian and Marielys' stories highlight just two of the more than 2,500 student-athletes who have benefitted from BTS' holistic approach to youth development through mentorship, academic support and wrestling."

The contributions from the 2023 year-end campaign will help BTS continue to support NYC student-athletes to achieve their goals on and off the wrestling mat. BTS' youth development-focused Academy program, new Training Center, Junior League and partnership with the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) are only possible due to the generosity of BTS' supporters. With these funds, BTS provides invaluable mentorship, academic support, competition opportunities, camps and clinics that are necessary to achieve its mission.

Since being founded in 2005, Beat the Streets has pioneered a movement that now includes 150 individual wrestling programs, a youth league and the first girls high school league.

BTS works to develop the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and strengthen the NYC wrestling culture. We aim to make a lifelong impact on student-athletes through the lessons learned on the wrestling mat -- discipline, perseverance, self-reliance, humility and a strong work ethic. Discover how you can make a meaningful contribution to our work at btsny.org/donate.