​our story

Napoleon and Alex Aniciete grew up on the wrestling mats of Las Vegas, building a legacy of discipline, grit, and championship success. Alongside fellow champion and coach Valyen Rauser, they transformed their lifelong passion into a shared mission: to guide the next generation both in sport and in life. In 2018, the brothers founded Aniciete Training Club (ATC) in a small garage with just three athletes, driven by the belief that every child—regardless of background—deserves access to quality training, mentorship, and character development. Drawing from their own championship pedigrees and coaching expertise, they developed a program rooted in discipline, resilience, and personal responsibility. By 2020, ATC had grown to over twenty members, producing State Champions, All-Americans, and young leaders who excel academically and socially. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, ATC innovated to provide safe, competitive opportunities at the national level, culminating in the opening of a dedicated facility in November 2020 and recognition as the Las Vegas 2024 SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Their work directly addresses youth engagement, violence prevention, and the need for positive community role models. To further break down financial barriers for youth athletes, they launched Vegas Strong Athletics — a nonprofit dedicated to providing equitable access to elite-level competition. This program supports student-athletes from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, covering expenses for training, travel, lodging, and entry fees for national events. While its initial focus is wrestling, the vision is to expand across all sports, creating a sustainable pipeline of opportunities that promote health, education, and leadership development. Beyond athletic performance, Vegas Strong Athletics emphasizes measurable outcomes such as improved academic achievement, increased college readiness, and the development of life skills that prepare participants for future success. By partnering with schools, local organizations, and national governing bodies, the nonprofit is committed to ensuring that talent and determination—not financial circumstances—define a child’s future. This work directly aligns with grantmaker priorities in youth development, community building, and the removal of economic barriers to participation in after school activities.

Our non-profit team consist of Napoleon Aniciete, Heidi Arbuckle, Kerwynn Williams.