Arab News

WWE stars bring anti-bullying message to Saudi schoolchil­dren

- Rahaf Jambi Riyadh

wrestling star Bianca Belair cheerfully admits to bullying her opponents in the ring — but that’s where it ends.

And that’s why Belair is one of five WWE athletes who have been bringing the anti-bullying message to Saudi schoolchil­dren.

She joined Titus O’Neil, Bobby Lashley, Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley for a special event with students from King Faisal School in Riyadh, who learned how to manage emotional and mental health and foster healthy social interactio­n.

“We want to encourage the kids not to be bullies and to be the best version of themselves and treat each other with respect and treat themselves with respect,” Belair told Arab News.

“The kids were so amazing; they were able to express their feelings and emotions, and they know how to channel their emotions.”

The wrestling stars played games with the students to help them get to know one another while also teaching them teamwork, how to take care of themselves and how to express their emotions in a healthy way.

O’Neil said: “When you know how you feel, you know how you can respond to things, and when you see how other people feel, then you have a chance to have a

conversati­on with them and make them feel better.”

Ripley spoke about being bullied as a child and the importance of surroundin­g oneself with supportive people.

“When I first moved to America from Australia, I didn’t know many people, and I knew I had to make friends by respecting everyone around me because it is what brings people together,” she said. “We all come from different places and background­s.”

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