Jordan Daily – Young Jordanian athletes got a rare opportunity to learn from world-class female wrestlers this week through “Pinning Dreams,” a program that combined training, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
Over five days, clinics and workshops were held in Amman, Jerash, and Fuheis, reaching schoolgirls, aspiring coaches, and members of Jordan’s national women’s wrestling team. Sessions highlighted not only athletic skills but also discipline, resilience, and confidence — values seen as especially crucial for young women breaking social barriers.
Two visiting American wrestlers, Nicole Tyson, a Junior World Champion, and Sally Roberts, a two-time World medalist and founder of Wrestle Like a Girl, led the sessions alongside Jordanian coaches.
Their visit was supported by the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Wrestling for Peace (W4P) directed by Dan Russel, and the Jordan Wrestling Federation presided by Mohammad Awamleh.
“This was catalytic for wrestling’s growth, not just in Jordan but across the Arab world,” said Dan Russell, Executive Director of Wrestling for Peace.
“Wrestling is more than a sport – it’s a pathway to confidence, education, and leadership,” said Roberts. “By stepping on the mat, these girls are stepping into their future roles as leaders in their communities and beyond.”
In Jerash, students stepped onto a wrestling mat for the first time, while in Amman, 30 martial artists took part in a Training of Trainers workshop to integrate wrestling into youth programs. The week culminated with a high-energy training for the national women’s team, ending with cheers and camaraderie.
The program reflects a growing movement in the region to use sport – and wrestling in particular – as a pathway for women’s empowerment, education, and leadership. Already, Jordan’s first female wrestler has earned a U.S. university scholarship, signaling new horizons for Arab women in sport.
