More than 250 wrestlers from nine Orillia and area schools competed at the annual City Wrestling Championship at Rotary Place Monday.
The day-long event saw matches happening non-stop on three wrestling mats positioned on the floor of one of the two rinks at the West Orillia Sports Complex.
"It's great to see so many young athletes here," said Juris Ligers, one of the organizers of the annual event.
"Wrestling is one of those sports that is really inclusive - anyone can participate," said Ligers. "And it's so great to have it at a venue like this where there's lots of room for parents and grand-parents to come out and watch and cheer them on."
There were lots of family members in the stands as the matches unfolded.
They witnessed some excellent bouts that featured girls in various age groups and boys in various age groups.
This is the 28th straight year teacher Tom Earle has helped organize this popular event. He enlisted the help of Ligers about 20 years ago; the dynamic duo have been organizing it together ever since.
That meant they were at Rotary Place Sunday setting up the mats, determining the matches and making sure there were enough referees - among many other details.
"It's something we love to do," said Earle. "It's great to provide the kids an opportunity to wrestle in an environment like this."
It's a busy week for elementary-school wrestlers. On Thursday, Orillia's Rotary Place will be the host site for the Simcoe County Elementary School Championships.
Results from Monday's event will be available at trackwrestling.com later tonight.
