Charleswood wrestler snatches gold at WCSG

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This article was published 03/09/2019 (2554 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sam Pereira, a 15-year-old from Charleswood, could have been an NHL star or a world-class lacrosse player — but his decision to take up wrestling has paid off big time.

Pereira took home gold in the 63-kilogram division at the Western Canada Summer Games, held Aug. 9 to 18 in Swift Current, Sask. Pereira, who lives in Charleswood, helped Manitoba win silver in the all-male team competition.

The young grappler said he was happy with the results.

“I feel pretty good. I worked very hard for (the medals.) I did a lot of training, had great training partners, there was a lot of sweat, tears and blood,” Pereira said. “I love wrestling because … You have a team, but you have to work for yourself. There are no second chances; it’s all up to you. I love that.”

Pereira said the team members were surprised they won silver in the team category, as Manitoba does not have a strong wrestling scene.He says wrestling is 90 per cent technique, with most of his practice involving grappling with training partners.

His father, Joe, was one of the top bodybuilders in the province, and was named Mr. Manitoba in 1983 by the Manitoba Amateur Bodybuilding Association.

Joe originally encouraged his son to play hockey. So, when Sam approached him about taking up wrestling, he was surprised.

“I was shocked when he quit hockey. I think any Winnipeg dad would be shocked. He was a good hockey player, then he comes in one day, figured he wanted to do wrestling,” Joe said. “I said ‘OK, fine, but you have to commit, you can’t quit after the first year.’ He just stuck with it, and he’s doing very well.”

Pereira moved to Edmonton on Aug. 31 to join Edmonton Wrestling Club, with whom he will train for the next year. While there he’ll live with a friend who is also a wrestler, while his family will remain in Charleswood.

For more information on the Western Canada Summer Games, visit 2019wcsg.ca