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Buffalo’s Belle Center to Feature Sumo Wrestling at 4th Annual Kids Day Fest

 

Sumo Wrestle with 6’ 8”, 679-pound, Emanuel “Tiny” Yarbrough,

Guinness Book of World Record’s “World’s Heaviest Athlete.”

 

 

Buffalo, NY – August 13, 2009 – Buffalo’s Belle Center will feature Sumo wrestling demonstrations by the SumoKids Foundation and children from the Belle Center’s summer athletic program.  Kids Day Fest attendees – young or old, small or large – can Sumo wrestle with world Sumo wrestler Emanuel “Tiny” Yarbrough on August 28, 2009.  The 4th Annual Kids Day Fest takes place at the Belle Center from 12:00 pm until 5:30 pm, at 104 Maryland Street, in Buffalo.

This July and August, Charles Bray, the creator of the non-profit SumoKids Foundation, is teaching coaches and Buffalo City children the tenets of Sumo wrestling at the Belle Center.  Sumo wrestling is a Japanese form of wrestling in which a fighter loses if forced from the ring or if any part of his body except the soles of his feet touches the ground.  At the Belle Center, children are participating in daily SumoKids programs Monday through Thursday.  On Friday, August 28th, the Belle Center children will demonstrate their Sumo skills in wrestling matches during the Center’s 4th Annual Kids Day Fest.

In 2005, Mr. Bray incorporated the SumoKids Foundation as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.  Since then, he has offered free after-school Sumo programs to schools and community centers in Buffalo, NY.  The response, from the participating children, their parents, and their teachers, has been overwhelmingly positive. 

The SumoKids program teaches children valuable life skills and morals in an environment that is entertaining, physically challenging, and educational.  Important components include teaching respect for others, and how to solve conflicts in a non-violent manner.  Visit www.SumoKidsFoundation.org for more information about the SumoKids Foundation and its programs. 

Emanuel “Tiny” Yarbrough will be at the Belle Center to talk about his life as the Guinness Book of World Records “World’s Heaviest Athlete.”  Mr. Yarbrough also is a world champion Sumo wrestler.  He will wrestle anyone with the courage to enter the ring with a 6 foot 8 inch, 679-pound, wrestler.  He will talk about his life, including his work helping children lead healthier lifestyles.  Visit www.meetmanny.com for more information.

 

About the Belle Center

The Belle Center works to individually, systematically and collectively utilize economic, educational and personal development strategies to improve lives, create opportunities and foster self-sufficiency. 

The Belle Center Mission: To build a community by serving the multicultural and inter-generational needs of the City of Buffalo by providing resources, advocacy, and support through collaboration and cooperation of people and programs.

Visit www.thebellecenter.org for more information about the Belle Center.

About Emanuel Yarbrough

For more than two decades, Emanuel “Tiny” Yarbrough has taken on challenges that most would think impossible and consistently proven that he has the focus and determination to master any endeavor.  At 6 feet 8 inches and more than 679 pounds, Tiny is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest professional athlete in the world. This former World Sumo Champion and World Super-Heavyweight Judo Champion, has built an impressive track record of success in several sports, toppling champion caliber athletes along the way.

Despite his size, which many regard as an advantage, Tiny has battled fiercely with both external and internal opponents during his entire career. Throughout his journey, he has learned tough lessons including how defeat can lead to victory and that the greatest benefit of fame is its ability to bring attention to important issues affecting the lives of millions.

Perhaps Tiny’s greatest achievement has been his record of inspiring and motivating others. For millions seeking confidence, better health or a better life, Tiny represents a living example of success. He proudly welcomes being a role model, delivering his message loudly and consistently, “You Are All Winners!”

Tiny’s athletic and personal goals:

·         Lose weight and maintain a level of fitness that is highly suitable for competition, but more importantly, build and maintain health in body and mind and continue to improve as a role model for young people.

·         Work more with youth oriented organizations as a mentor and leader, providing education on obesity related issues and helping to promote the positive aspects of sports and fitness to the world.

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