INDIANAPOLIS — Naptown All Pro strives to decrease gun violence in Indy youth, one wrestling match at a time. They do so by making sure every child is represented by the performers, and giving free tickets to kids in underserved communities.
There is an option on every ticket page that we have set up for a $10 donation where we will make sure that a ticket gets in the hands or a kid or a parent so they can come to the show," Jordan Rose, owner of Naptown All Pro said.
Rose grew up on the east side of Indianapolis. He grew up with many of the issues the kids these day are facing. One big problem he says he is hearing over and over is that there is nothing for teens to do on the east side, which is why he founded Naptown All Pro.
"We are a wrestling organization that focuses on running in low income neighborhoods to try and get kids an alternative activity so they can get on the streets and have something to look forward to," Rose said.
During each show they make sure the kids are involved in the show. An involvement the athletes are more than happy to entertain.
" I come from a pretty rough area in Atlanta and I just want kids to know that there's more options than being a rapper or something like that," Blak Jan Mak one of the athletes said. "You can be a wrestler or just do something productive. "
The athletes are also diverse, with people from all walks of life in the ring. An important representation which has attracted athletes from all over the country.
"You look at this show you will see someone of every single race you will see someone of every gender identity you will see multiple religions you will see all of that," Darian Bengston said. "Me growing up, I didn't feel like I was represented properly. "
The show itself might not be something kids can attend daily but the founders hope their message will have a lasting impact.
"If somebody who you know just now is able to rent a car is able to figure out some way to build a community and put it forth in action maybe the people who have been doing it for quite sometime can do the same," Rose said.
If you are interested in donating tickets to kids in need you can do so when you purchase your tickets for a show on Naptown All Pro's website. Shows take place at the end of every month.
-
Indiana teen arrested after "Senior Assassin" game leads to active shooter scare
A game of "Senior Assassin" led to a massive police response and felony charges for a Portage High School student after police say he used a realistic water gun.
I-465 westbound closed in Carmel due to gas leak, may last until evening hours
A gas line break has closed all westbound lanes of I-465 at Meridian Street in Carmel and could disrupt the evening commute for drivers.
Tax deadline today: How to request a filing extension and avoid costly mistakes
Last year, nearly 165 million Americans filed a tax return, but over 25 million of those applications were not received by the IRS by the April deadline. (Scripps News)
Police investigating murder-suicide on Indy's near northwest side
A man and woman were found dead Tuesday evening on Indy's near northwest side in what police are calling a murder suicide.
