SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (November 26, 2024) – One of the most inspirational sports journeys in Arizona history will be celebrated at the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, when Anthony Robles, an Arizonan and 2011 NCAA Wrestling Champion, serves as the Parade Grand Marshal. The two-mile procession through Central Phoenix takes place on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

The Mesa High School and Arizona State graduate joins a distinguished list of previous Fiesta Bowl Parade grand marshals, which honors individuals or groups whose inspiring accomplishments are worthy of celebration and align with the Fiesta Bowl's commitment to enhancing the lives of Arizonans through the support of youth, sports and education.

"Anthony Robles has lived his life in a way we all aspire to – with perseverance, humility, determination, honor and courage. His journey is an inspiration to us all and a testament to the indomitable human spirit. He is a great person to lead our Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe," said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses. "By moving the Fiesta Bowl Parade into the heart of Bowl Season with a stronger tie-in to our postseason college football games, we expect even higher engagement from college football fans and all segments of our community."

Born without his right leg, Robles began his career at Arizona State as a walk-on but overcame extreme obstacles to become a three-time All-American. He capped his Sun Devils career by winning the 2011 national championship in the 125-pound class, defeating the defending champion in the final match. He is an inductee in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Arizona Hall of Fame and ASU Sports Hall of Fame.

In his first year of wrestling, Robles finished last in the Mesa City wrestling tournament. However, by the time Robles graduated from Mesa High School, he compiled an unblemished 96-0 record during his junior and senior seasons, was a two-time Arizona State Champion and a high school National Champion. Despite his extensive success, many universities doubted his ability to compete with one leg.

"To be the Grand Marshal in my own state is an honor. It's where I grew up, I went to Mesa High School; Arizona is home for me. To represent Arizona and all the good things that are here, it's very special," Robles said. "I'm really proud to be a part of this and part of the Fiesta Bowl because of all that they stand for and what they do in the community."

Robles' incredible story is captured in the new film "Unstoppable" by Amazon MGM Studios. The film stars Jennifer Lopez as Robles' mother, Jharrel Jerome as Anthony and Don Cheadle as ASU Head Coach Shawn Charles and was produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Robles was highly involved in the film as a producer and served as his own stunt double in the movie's wrestling scenes. The limited theatrical release is slated for December 6, 2024, and will be released globally on Prime Video January 16, 2025.

Robles joins a list of previous Fiesta Bowl Parade grand marshals including Charles Barkley, Jerry Colangelo, Alice Cooper, Richard Jefferson, Randy Johnson, Al McCoy, Jake Plummer, Kerri Strug, Diana Taurasi and more.

Recognized as the state's highest-attended single-day event annually, the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe features larger-than-life balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, community groups and more. The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe will be broadcast live on Arizona's Family 3TV and statewide across its digital platforms on Saturday, December 28. Admission is free to the public with grandstand seating available for purchase for $30 here.

"Having experienced Anthony's magnetic personality and touching story in person, I can't wait for fans lining the streets to witness one of Arizona's greatest success stories at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe," said Fiesta Sports Foundation Board Chair Judy Bernas. "The Fiesta Bowl Parade is such a celebration, where a variety of entry units come together and showcase all the best that Arizona has to offer for our live audience and those who watch on television."

For more information regarding the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, please visit www.FiestaBowl.org/Parade.
 
ABOUT THE FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION
Since 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. 
 
ABOUT Vrbo
In 1995, Vrbo introduced a new way for people to travel together, pairing homeowners with families and friends looking for places to stay. We were grounded in one purpose: To give people the space they need to drop the distractions of everyday life and simply be together. Since then, we've grown into a global community of homeowners and travelers, with unique properties around the world. Vrbo makes it easy and fun to book cabins, condos, beach houses and every kind of space in between. Vrbo is part of Expedia Group and offers homeowners and property managers exposure to over 750 million visits to Expedia Group sites each month. To learn more, visit www.vrbo.com.
 
ABOUT LERNER & ROWE INJURY ATTORNEYS
Attorneys Glen Lerner and Kevin Rowe have grown Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys into one of the largest personal injury firms in the country with 11 locations just in Arizona, over 60 total attorneys, and more than 450 total support staff. The law firm's continuous exalted levels of success can be attributed to the high levels of respect and dignity shown to victims and family members hurt in an accident. Further, the firm takes pride in nourishing these relationships as they know a personal injury attorney can make all the difference in obtaining fair compensation for the pain and suffering inflicted upon the victims of tortious conduct. Learn more about the firm and the many other community services they support at LernerAndRowe.com, LernerAndRoweGivesBack.com, and @LernerAndRowe on Instagram.

Print Friendly Version