Grapplers hit ring to show kids hazards of the sport
By LYLE HARVEY -- Calgary Sun
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B.J. ANNIS
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Members of Calgary's favourite wrestling family are going to the mat
in an effort to stop kids from mimicking the moves they see on TV.
Former Calgary Stampeder and Stampede wrestler B.J. Annis, who is married
to a daughter of grappling legend Stu Hart, will hit the ring at his downtown
gym today to show kids the dangers of pro wrestling moves.
Annis will be joined by his son, Ted Annis -- who runs his own wrestling
school, and wrestles professionally under the name Ted Hart -- former pro
grappler Bad News Allen, and Stampede wrestler Harry Smith -- son of Davey Boy
Smith, the "British Bulldog."
"We want to make kids aware of the fact that what they see in the ring is
carefully choreographed," said Annis, a firefighter and owner of B.J.'s Gym at
604 7 Ave. S.E.
"We want to say, 'Don't do this -- it's too dangerous.' If you want to
wrestle, join an amateur club."
Annis will also have the help of fellow firefighters and EMS crew to show
what to do if someone does get hurt.
He plans to take the safety course to small towns around the province,
starting as early as next week.
Today's presentation, open to the public, starts at 2 p.m. There is no
charge to attend.
