#development

ASOIF: IFs discuss sustainability, development and education initiatives at ASOIF Forum

By United World Wrestling Press

LAUSANNEE, Switzerland (May 31) --- United World Wrestling's Development Director Deqa Niamkey led the ASOIF’s Forum on Sustainability, Development and Education (ASDEG) in Lausanne last week. Here's what ASOIF.com said about the event

Experts from 27 International Federations (IFs) governing Olympic summer and winter sports gathered this week at ASOIF’s Forum on Sustainability, Development and Education (ASDEG). The event was held on 24 and 25 May in Lausanne, Switzerland, led by the Chair of ASOIF’s ASDEG Group Deqa Niamkey from United World Wrestling (UWW).

For the first time, the Forum addressed the important field of sustainability which had been added recently to the group’s portfolio. The International Olympic Committee introduced the topic and shared best practice. World Sailing presented their Agenda 2030, an ambitious sustainability strategy that covers environmental, economic and social aspects. The International Hockey Federation offered insights into how an IF can kick-start the sustainability initiatives at an early stage.

After the pandemic had forced a two-year pause of the Forum, the participants also discussed how COVID-19 has changed their ways of working. UWW presented how the global health crisis has helped their federation embrace online education and showcased a number of online interactive tools, which are accessible to all sports. Meanwhile, World Curling shared how they financed education modules by offering online training courses for an enrolment fee to future umpires and ice technicians.

Deqa Niamkey said during the Forum: "After two years of pandemic, it was great to meet all the IF colleagues in person again at the Forum. We had insightful exchanges on the common challenges we have been facing. I am glad to see that more and more IFs are eager to work together on these important topics and I am looking forward to even more collaboration in the future."

Another important topic on the Forum’s agenda: how to optimise the support to National Federations (NFs). World Rugby introduced their benchmarking tool that has helped them to distribute funds to their member federations. The Badminton World Federation presented their targeted funding models driven by NF assessment data.

Representatives from Olympic Solidarity also joined in to give an update on their 2021-2024 Plan and the global development programmes. 

Organised annually, the Forum facilitates a united approach of a large number of IFs in the implementation of their projects in the fields of sustainability, education and development. This allows efficiencies in terms of human and financial resources, ensures a certain consistency across the sports and thereby maximises the impact of the related IF activities overall.

To learn more about ASOIF.com, click HERE.

Development

South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week: A Vital Step in Wrestling Development

By United World Wrestling Press

PERTH, Australia (October 14, 2024) – The South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week, held in Perth from September 30 to October 4, marked a significant milestone in the growth and development of wrestling across the region. Representatives from seven Oceania nations—Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Tahiti, and the Marshall Islands—and a participant from Singapore gathered to foster collaboration and enhance wrestling expertise. For many, it was their first UWW certification in years, adding even more impact to the event.

The week was packed with essential courses focused on both technical and administrative skill development. The Level 3 Coaching Course, led by UWW Educator and USA Wrestling Gold Level Coach Marty Huack, provided advanced coaching strategies, emphasizing elite training methodologies and periodization. Participants gained valuable insights to elevate their coaching approaches and optimize athlete performance at the highest levels of competition.

The Level 2 Referee Course, delivered by UWW 1S Referee and local expert Stefan Rudevics, focused on refining officiating skills. Attendees deepened their understanding of rules, decision-making processes, and match management, significantly enhancing their capabilities for future tournaments. Additionally, Youssef Bouaziz, a UWW IT Specialist, led an IT Course that equipped participants with the digital tools essential for modern sports administration, including proficiency in the Arena platform for managing both national and international events.

AUSParticipants pose for a photo after the conclusion of The South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

One of the week's standout moments was the opportunity for referees and IT participants to apply their newly acquired skills at the Australian Youth National Championships, which ran concurrently with Education Week. This live event setting allowed participants to gain hands-on experience, reinforcing their training and building confidence in real-time scenarios.

Feedback from the attending nations emphasized the significant professional growth experienced by participants, who valued the interactive, hands-on format of both the coaching and refereeing courses. The IT course, which focused on leveraging the Arena platform, was also highly praised for its practical application. During a feedback forum at the event's conclusion, participants expressed strong enthusiasm for future educational opportunities, reflecting their dedication to ongoing development.

Beyond technical training, Education Week fostered a deeper sense of unity and collaboration within South-East Asia and Oceania wrestling communities. By bringing together representatives from across the region, the event strengthened relationships and reinforced a collective ambition to raise wrestling standards. This spirit of cooperation enhanced individual skills while laying the groundwork for future growth and partnerships.

The success of South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week underscores the importance of regional collaboration in advancing wrestling development. We look forward to welcoming even more participants in future editions as we continue to elevate the sport across South-East Asia and Oceania.