TYRONE SNOWDEN WOODS WRESTLING FOUNDATION

The Tyrone Snowden Woods Wrestling Foundation was established in 2015 to provide financial, educational, and charitable support to youth wrestlers and wrestling programs. The vision of TSWWF is to pay forward Tyrone’s love for wrestling and his passion for the sport in a way that will emulate his spirit and help prepare the youth of today for the challenges of tomorrow. We hope to shine a light on the sport with its character-building qualities and positive contributions that influenced Tyrone to become the man he was.

Tyrone was a very good wrestler and understood the importance of individuality and teamwork in becoming a winner. It provided the foundation for him in 1989 to defeat a number of opponents as he battled his way towards a winning second place finish at the Three Rivers League district tournament and a fifth place finish at the OSAA State Wrestling Tournament, where he won four of his six matches. Many years later, in 2013, there would be another award when he was posthumously honored by the Oregon Wrestling Hall of Fame with the Medal of Courage.

In September, 2012, these same qualities that were cultivated through wrestling and honed as a 20-year veteran US Navy SEAL enabled him, without hesitation, to selflessly and devotedly defend thirty American CIA and diplomatic staff with his life. Following Tyrone’s example, we will shine a light on his "never quit" spirit, determination, endurance, loyalty, and competitive spirit, all which helped him find his chosen life’s profession and excel magnificently at it. By emphasizing the beneficial building blocks of Tyrone’s attitude and actions, the foundation seeks to inspire young athletes to achieve great personal success in their lives both on and off the mat. Our motto, "Preparing the Youth of Today for the Challenges of Tomorrow," emphasizes the importance of guiding these youth in ways that will provide the tools they need to confront and overcome later challenges in life.

With an array of fundraising events and support from the public, we can ensure that Tyrone's story will provide a foundation in excellence for these youth. By donating or volunteering, you can become a part of Tyrone’s Team and help sponsor their participation in a great sport for their present and future character development. We envision organizing many different types of events, some involving the pain and sweat that Tyrone loved so much and some not: 5K or 10K runs, cross-fit, swim and local or statewide wrestling meets, outdoor competitions, golf and social fundraisers are just part of our vision. With your help, TSWWF can provide these young athletes and wrestling programs with the means and the tools they need in order to participate in an environment that will mentor and encourage them. Through your contributions, TSWWF can purchase new pairs of wrestling shoes, ear protectors, or cover the hefty district fees for “pay to play.” Also, if a wrestling program needs new mats, which can be extremely expensive, or transportation costs to travel to a tournament, TSWWF can help. These are just a few examples of how TSWWF plans to support these young athletes who need a positive outlet for their energy and passion in a sport that will help them courageously and successfully face future challenges. With your help, TSWWF will be able to achieve these goals and perhaps improve or even change lives for the greater good.