New Program Announcement: Topanga PAL
Posted: March 12, 2015
March 11, 2015 | Beat the Streets is pleased to announce the Topanga Police Activities League (PAL) as it’s newest community wrestling program. The partnership made possible by the Los Angels Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD) brings BTSLA’s dynamic youth wrestling program to the Canoga Park neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley.
LAPD officer Juan Estrada, key to the development and launch of the program, offered, “I was introduced to wrestling while a student at San Fernando High School and it was a life changing for me. Wrestling gave me self confidence and discipline, but most importantly, it taught me to work hard, not only in sports but in life. Now as an officer with the LAPD Topanga Division, I wanted to bring wrestling to the youth of my community, and instill in them what my coaches instilled in me through wrestling.”
The program, now fully underway, practices on Tuesday’s & Thursday’s at Canoga Park High School at 4:00 PM. Topanga PAL athletes will be competing in the upcoming BTSLA Middle School Championship hosted at Canoga Park High School.
“The Topanga PAL program has truly thrived under the direction of Officer Estrada and his team. In serving as the hosts for the upcoming Middle School Championships, the event will showcase all that he has been able to accomplish in a very short time,” said BTSLA Program Director Kevin Lake.
“We are grateful for Beat the Streets, the LASPD, and Sergeant Jess Arana for their support in this partnership. We hope this program continues to impact this community in a positive way for years to come.” said Officer Estrada.
To learn more about the Topanga PAL and how to join the program, visit http://lapdtopanga.org/
Check out this photo gallery of Topanga PAL youth competing last month at the February Jamboree.
Photos by Brian Guerrero.
