Most everyone I ask, “Do you have a Costco card?” The response is almost always, “Yes.” I then ask, “Why do you pay the annual $55 membership fee? “ The usual reply is “I like the benefits.” I get it. I have one too.

The little from many model allows Costco to keep the low prices we all come to expect and enjoy. I use this Costco example to prove a point: Members of an organization can reap substantial benefits if they just contribute a little at a time.

On September 11th, the International Fraternity of Wrestlers (IFW) honored the 1980 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team with a dinner and awards ceremony in Las Vegas during the 2015 World Wrestling Championships. Each team member received an IFW Lifetime membership. Without question, those in attendance were “wrestling royalty.” More than two hundred industry leaders and decision makers, current and former wrestlers, fans and family came out to support these gentlemen and hear their stories.

The event was free to IFW members and their guests. Access to events like this is one of the many benefits of becoming an IFW member.

Why does wrestling need the IFW and what’s the value of this organization to wrestling?

  • The IFW is a fee-based membership organization, using the little from many model, that provides a broad platform for members, including a hub for social interaction, competition news and updates, access to events and group discounts.
  • The IFW provides opportunities to give back to the wrestling community and grow the sport of wrestling by expanding media coverage and marketing and sponsorship opportunities.

Are you a member yet? If you’ve wrestled competitively at any level, you should be.

After your initial $49.95 membership fee, you get $25 back in a virtual cash card that can be used at 18,000 restaurants across the country. The IFW membership card provides discounts on purchases like movie tickets for 20 – 60% off.

And here is why you will join the IFW: Your membership fee goes to creating events that will get wrestling media attention. For those of you that attended the event commemorating the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team, I’m sure you’ll agree it was truly a spectacular event.

Seventeen of the 20 members of the 1980 Freestyle and Greco teams attended the event as well as coaches, officials, former teammates, family, and friends. Also, many hadn’t attended a World Championship since they last competed. And most of the Olympians in attendance would not have traveled to Las Vegas had it not been for this event honoring them. Long overdue I would say. Plus they got to see wrestling competition at its best. More events are planned so check out the IFW website so you don’t miss another awesome event.

So, here’s the deal. Join today. Yes, right now. Become a member of this very special group of wrestlers. Give the IFW a year to prove they are the answer to putting wrestling on the “main stage” sports map in the United States.

Click HERE and join TODAY