The event has been launched in conjunction with United World Wrestling's Super 8 campaign for women's wrestling, which is aimed at increasing the sport's popularity and getting females to try it out.

The Super 8 campaign comes to a close on March 8 with the Women's World Cup competition in St. Petersburg, Russia.

USA Wrestling's initiative has been widely praised in the country, and 2012 World Championships silver medallist Helen Maroulis, who is involved with the scheme, is hoping the week will help raise the awareness of the female version of the sport across America.

"I want to help women's wrestling grow," she said.

"It has been life-changing for me, and I believe it can be that way for so many more girls.

"We would like to see people within wrestling bring a sister, a mother, a girlfriend to a wrestling tournament or practice, to help raise awareness for the opportunities in the sport."

Helen Maroulis (blue) is involved with the Super 8 campaign and hopes Women's Wrestling Week will encourage females to get involved in the sport ©Getty Images



Maroulis, who will be competing at the World Cup event in Russia, has urged those involved in Women's Wrestling Week to share pictures, videos and comments about the sport on social media.

USA Wrestling will also be using media platforms to promote the heritage of women's wrestling through a series of features.

As part of the initiative, any female who wants to try out the sport of wrestling can do so at a chartered club practice free of charge as USA Wrestling will provide complimentary membership from March 2 to 7.

As well as this, female wrestlers with previous experience are invited to compete at USA Wrestling sanctioned events over the weekends of March 8 and 9 and March 15 to 16.

"I am excited to join our amazing female athletes and USA Wrestling leaders in kicking off Women's History Month with a week focused on introducing more girls and women to wrestling and its athletes," USA Women's team leader Kyra Barry added.

"Together we can ensure that all American girls have access to wrestling and the opportunity to benefit from the discipline, confidence and grit that participation in wrestling develops in each individual."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
December 2014: United World Wrestling launches campaign to develop sport for women