Feb. 13, 2006

Daniel Igali, Simon Fraser University (B.C.)
Wrestling
Graduated - 2001
Major - Criminology

A perfect 116-0 collegiate record, 3-time NAIA National Champion, World Champion, and Olympic Champion.  Daniel Igali of Simon Fraser University has an impressive list of wrestling accomplishments to his resume.  However, it is his list of contributions off the mat that makes him exceptional. 

In 2002, Igali began his dream of establishing a primary school in his home village of Eniwari in the Niger delta region of Nigeria.  After securing over $400,000 in funding, his dream is now a reality.  Maureen Matheny Elementary school contains 11 classrooms, a gymnasium, an auditorium, a library, computer room, and an administrative block.  The school will be run through a partnership with the local government and the Igali Foundation.  The school's mission is to provide a solid education for children, a place for community interaction and a training ground for both boys and girls in wrestling and in other sports.

Igali is also involved in several advocacy groups, is President of the Igali Foundation, is a mentor for Dreams Take Flight, and was involved with the 2008 and 2010 Olympic bids submitted by Toronto and Vancouver. 

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