There was a special kind of energy in the Holliston School gym on November 14—the kind that comes from combining physical activity with pride, belonging, and joy.

Jac, a Grade 6 student at Holliston, invited his classmates to experience something that means a lot to him: Down to Wrestle, an inclusive wrestling program designed to empower children with Down Syndrome to participate fully—and to lead confidently—in sport.

“It started with a simple conversation,” shares co-founder and University of Saskatchewan Huskies wrestling head coach, Daniel Olver. “My neighbour, Johann, was discouraged. No matter where he looked, he couldn’t find a program where his son, Joe - who has Down Syndrome - could truly participate. A place where he would not just be included but belong. In my role as a coach, I thought, ‘I should be able to help with that.’ So, together, we got to work.”

A Program Built for Success—And Built with Care

What began as a solution for one child quickly became something larger.

“What we often saw was that kids with Down Syndrome were welcome in mainstream programs, but the programs weren’t always equipped to support their learning styles,” Daniel explains. “Kids would get sidelined—not because they couldn’t do it, but because the program wasn’t designed for them.”

So, they changed that.

Daniel and Johann consulted occupational therapists—experts in helping people participate in daily life through adaptive strategies. Together, they designed a program that teaches not only sport but body awareness, social rules, self-regulation, and confidence.

Every detail of the program is intentional. Participants wear green shirts because green means go in occupational therapy. They shake hands before wrestling to reinforce that - even in physical play - there are rules, respect, and care. 

Bringing the Program to School — and Letting Jac Lead the Way

Down to Wrestle rolled out the mats at Holliston School because Jac wanted his friends and teachers to be part of something that is a big part of his life and identity.

“My friend Jac is one of our most enthusiastic participants,” says Donovan Neudorf, Down to Wrestle team captain. “He had this idea: what if we brought his wrestling world into his school world? Holliston was incredible and opened the gym for us.”

Throughout the day, classes rotated through gym time to learn, try, and cheer each other on. Jac helped design the practice session and proudly took on a leadership role—pitching in alongside the Huskies coaches by demonstrating moves and encouraging classmates.

Another meaningful touch? The wrestling socks worn by athletes and guests. In the wrestling community, socks and how they're worn are a symbol of culture, confidence, and team spirit. Wearing brightly coloured or mismatched socks is also a worldwide symbol of awareness and celebration for people with Down Syndrome. Many participants in the Nov. 14 demonstrations wore brightly coloured mismatched socks over their pants as a visual reminder of awareness and inclusion in sport.

A Model Meant to Grow

The Down to Wrestle team isn’t just delivering a program—they’re building a movement.

“Our goal now is to make this program replicable—something any community could take up and lead,” Daniel explains. “It may look simple but there's deep thinking behind every part of it. It’s hitting physical learning goals, developmental goals, and—most importantly—belonging goals.”

Jac, on What Made the Day Special

When asked what he loved most about bringing Down to Wrestle to his school, Jac didn't hesitate. He says: “This is my thing. And now my friends get to do it with me.”

Jac’s younger brother, Blair, also participates in Down to Wrestle both to support his brother and for his own love of the sport. Blair, who also attends Holliston School, was able to take part in the demonstration, showcasing some specific techniques alongside Jac. Blair says the day was special because his brother “gets to show the special moves he's been working on.” Blair went on to say "wrestling is super fun" and that the Huskies coaches teach them “how to properly wrestle so no one gets hurt.”

At Saskatoon Public Schools, we believe that every student should feel known, valued, and believed in. Down to Wrestle is one of many examples of how our schools foster belonging, leadership, and joyful learning—for every child. 

• For more information on Down to Wrestle, an inclusive wrestling program designed to empower children with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities, visit Down to Wrestle.
• For information on Pups Wrestling, a Huskies program for children ages 3-13, visit Pups Wrestling.