The Z Man Foundation hosted its first annual Wrestling Tournament Saturday, Jan. 23, at Grant High School.
All proceeds benefited the foundation, which provides scholarship opportunities for local youth to attend local college prep high schools.
The Z-Man Foundation was established to honor Portland Police Officer Mark Zylawy, who died in a traffic accident on his way to work in January, 2008.
One of the most respected officers in the Portland Police Bureau, Zylawy had many friends in the Northeast Precinct where he worked for almost 17 years.
Said to have earned the respect even of the individuals he arrested, his memorial service was held at the Maple Mallory Apartments in North Portland even though he lived in Vancouver.
A native of France even though he lived in Oregon for many years, he was known affectionately to as the "Z-Man."
Also in his honor, the Portland Police Bureau administers four full "Z-Man" scholarships for students at De La Salle North Catholic High School.
"Part of the goal of the Z-Man Foundation is community building events such as this one," said Portland Police Captain Bill Walker.
The bureau worked closely with local wrestling legend, coach Roy Pittman, and many local sponsors.
Pittman delivered a heartfelt speech at the tournament about how important it is for his wrestlers to see police officers as the "good guys."
Donations to the Z-Man Scholarship Fund can be made online at www.zmanscholarship.com .
For more information, contact Walker at 823-4515.
