On the surface, pro wrestlers and young children in need may not appear to have a lot in common.
But with the second instalment of Kelowna Invasion set to be held next month, it’s clear the two have turned into a winning combination.
The professional wrestling exhibition—Kelowna Invasion 2: Straight Outta Rutland—will be held May 2 at Centennial Hall, with proceeds to benefit local charities.
Last October, the first annual wrestling card raised $21,000 and was split between the KGH Foundation, B.C. Children’s Hospitals, Kelowna YMCA Strong Kids and Abbotsford Special Adventures.
Event co-founder Mike Chisholm says last fall’s event was so successful, he and fellow founder Mike Rizzo didn’t hesitate to bring Kelowna Invasion back for an encore.
“I really believe putting an event together for the community that benefits many charities in our community, it was a no-brainer to go ahead and do that,” said Chisholm, a partner at World Financial Group, while Rizzo is the GM of Costco Wholesale. “We were tickled pink by the response, it blew us away. The moment the show ended, everybody was asking when the next show was going to be, and so immediately our our heads together and Kelowna Invasion 2 is what we’re coming up with.”
The family-oriented wrestling card will feature the likes of former WWE title holder Val Venis, Kelowna natives Scotty Mac, Kyle Sabastien and Collin Cutler. The tag team sensation from Surrey, The Bollywood Lions, will also be on the card.
Mac, who owns and operates a wrestling promotion (ECCW) on the Lower Mainland, is thrilled to be stepping into the ring, both to entertain and to help raise money for a worthy cause.
“On May 2, I will be playing the role of a villain and I do love hear to the boos, and I like to get the people riled up,” said Mac. “But when it does come down to it, it’s about raising money for the kids and helping people and it definitely will be a special night.”
Advance tickets for Kelowna Invasion 2 are $15 each (4 for $50) and can be purchased at World Gym, the Packing House Pub and Lorenzo’s Barber Shop. Tickets at the door are $20 each.
