Thaddeus Moore, a wrestler and a student at Armuchee Middle School, has been accepted into the People to People Sports Ambassador Program.  In July, Thaddeus will train for ten (10) days in Vienna, Austria, before competing as part of the Youth Friendship Games.  As part of the program he will also explore Vienna, Austria with teammates from throughout the United States.

In addition to building athletic skills, Moore can also earn academic credit while getting to know the people, culture and history of the places visited.  He will take part in a variety of activities such as visiting the Schonbrunn Palace, and the Mauthausen Concentration Camp; donating books to Austrian children living in poverty; and trying the Austrian sport of lattlschiassn.

The international competition and education program was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1965.  Acceptance into the Sports Ambassador Program is an honor.  After being invited to apply, Moore submitted references and participated in a successful interview with program coaches and leaders to be chosen.

Moore will be accompanied by a team of experienced coaches and teacher-leaders.  Rulon Gardner, 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist, will be one of his coaches. 

Moore’s wrestling background is extensive for an 11 year old.  He has been wrestling for 7 years through the USA wrestling program.  He is a two-time GA State Champion, 2006 and 2008; and he was a State runner-up in 2004.  Moore wrestled for the Armuchee Middle School team this year and placed first at the FCAA Area Tournament.