Two talented young wrestling brothers from Urmston are representing Great Britain in overseas events this autumn and winter with help from the Trafford Moving Fund.
Arin and Aydin Sekirden, aged 19 and 12, are heading to Latvia and South Africa to compete – building upon previous international success.
Arin, a student at North Trafford College who wrestles with Manchester Y Club, is an eight times British champion and five times English champion in his category.
Aydin is fast following in his big brother’s footstep. The pupil of St Antony’s Roman Catholic School recently won a silver medal at an event in Pelpin, Poland, as part of a team of eight from his Wigan-based club, Aspull Warriors.
He triumphed against tough opposition from Latvia, Ukraine and Lithuania – where wrestling is something of a national sport, like football in the UK – only being defeated in the under 13 38kg category final.
Next Aydin will represent Great Britain’s potential wrestling squad at the Riga Open championships in Latvia next month.
Individual athletes and community groups can apply for small grants from the Trafford Moving Fund. Applications are open all year, for a wide range of activities that support people to be active.
Athletes must be competing at national or international level to qualify and first grants can be up to £500. The fund is generated from entries into the Manchester Marathon and Half Marathon.
Their mum, Paula, said: “Arin stumbled upon wrestling when he was seven. He has loved the sport ever since and Aydin has followed him.
“Making it to the final and securing a silver medal is a huge achievement at his Aydin’s age. He has a promising future ahead.
“This wouldn’t be possible without the support from the Trafford Moving Fund. We can put the grant money towards travel expenses that would be difficult to meet without help.”
Arin, currently competing in under 20s events at 61 kilos, has received support from the fund in the past and for the Commonwealth Wrestling Games in South Africa this December. Aydin’s first grant helped to fund the Poland trip.
Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Arin and Aydin in this way, to achieve their ambitions. We are so proud of their success so far and wish them all the very best in their upcoming competitions.”
