Daniel Igali

"Beyond the war and the warrior, only the story remains" -Chinua Achebe, Anthills of the Savannah Nigerian-born Daniel Igali, Canadian Olympic Champion, is a man of many accomplishments: Daniel is an amazing athlete. In just ten years, he became an African wrestling champion, the first Canadian male to win the title of Wrestling World Freestyle Champion, and a gold medalist for wrestling at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Daniel is also a consummate learner. He holds a master's degree in Criminology from Simon Fraser University. Above all, Daniel is an avid humanitarian. He continually voices concern for the conditions and lifestyles of youths living in the Niger region of his homeland- a place embroiled in civil and political unrest. His strong belief in the power of a good education led him to establish the Daniel Igali Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing youth with scholastic, athletic and personal development opportunities. It was through his foundation that Daniel was able to build the Maureen Matheny Academy in his village of Eniwari, Nigeria. Daniel Igali is a warrior with a story. The Daniel Igali Foundation is part of that story and it will continue to be part of his legacy.