Former UFC middleweight Chris Weidman is honoring his late father-in-law by creating a scholarship fund to help young wrestlers achieve their goals.
Weidman's father-in-law, Vincent Pecora tragically died recently when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street.
Weidman took to Instagram to share the tragic news as well as the opening of the fund:
“Pops has been in my life since seventh grade, which happens to be the same day I met his daughter and ultimately my wife-to-be. It was my first wrestling camp, Granby camp in Virginia. I didn’t know at the time, but he would end up being a massive part of my life. Most of the offseason tournaments and camps, it was Pops that was driving us. He came to all my wrestling matches from Junior high to college. Pops never missed one of my fights as he became an integral part of my life.”
“In his honor we would like to set up the Vincent J. Pecora Jr. Scholarship Foundation,” a statement read on a GoFundMe set up to fund the scholarship. “He may no longer be physically with us, but his love and support will always be here. To keep his memory alive, we will continue to support young wrestlers in their pursuit of higher education."
“All we ask in return is that anyone who knew him continue to speak his name, tell his stories, and share their knowledge, tips and words of encouragement with one another. It takes a village to make a great wrestler and we hope to continue his legacy and extend his impact to future generations of wrestlers.”
The donation page to the Vincent J. Pecora Jr. Scholarship Fund can be found by clicking HERE.
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