LYNN — Wrestlers from across New England return to Lynn/Nahant Beach Saturday, Aug. 9 for the 10th Annual Lynn Shore Showdown, a beach wrestling tournament that has become a summer staple.
The event is hosted by Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson in partnership with Beat the Streets New England, a regional non-profit that uses wrestling to engage and empower inner-city students.
With U8, U10, U12, U15, high school, and open divisions, the competition is open to all levels and emphasizes community and accessibility.
In addition to Beat the Streets, it’s also a collaboration with The Friends of Nahant Beach, DCR Massachusetts, Better Beaches Program, and Save The Harbor/Save The Bay.
Brett Poirier, the Director of Operations with Beat the Streets New England, is looking forward to the event.
“The Lynn Shore Showdown is a great event for so many reasons. Not only is it a fun family-friendly wrestling tournament, but because it is run by our Boston youth, it gives hands-on experience for them hosting an event, promoting the event, and running the operations,” Poirier said. “Last year, we had just over 100 wrestlers attend and this year, we are excited to see the event expand and grow. This year will be the best one yet.”
Last year’s turnout was the highest in the event’s history.
“We are so excited for the 10th Annual Lynn Shore Showdown. This has become a fun tradition with Beat the Streets New England, and a great opportunity to showcase the Lynn Shore and the sport,” Nicholson said. “Wrestlers and their whole families get to enjoy some competition while also enjoying some sun and surf. Passersby always seem to get a kick out of it as well. The Lynn team had some great momentum this year and I know they are looking forward to it, too.”
Trading his suit and tie in for shorts, Nicholson, a former Princeton University wrestler, has hit the sand and competed throughout the years.
Matches follow beach wrestling rules with athletes competing inside a 23-foot diameter ring. The first wrestler to three points wins.
The Lynn Shore Showdown doubles as a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting local youth wrestling programs and year-round development opportunities through Beat the Streets New England.
Online registration is available until midnight Aug. 8 at www.btsne.org/lynnshoreshowdown. The entry fee is $30 for online registrants and $40 for day-of walk-ins.
Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend.
