Development

Federacion Española de Lucha Concludes Two-Year UWW Grassroot Programme - Sport for All

By United World Wrestling Press

MADRID, Spain (November 13) -- FELUCHA concluded its UWW Grassroot Programme with El Club de Luchas Olimpicas Power in Torredelcampo, Andalucia.

The club hosted over 150 children from 3 to over 14 years old on a weekly basis. Thanks to the UWW Grassroot programme funding, the club promoted wrestling throughout the entire region to recruit more children and members to the club.


A variety of promotional activities were held between 2018 and 2019 for the children and youth to familiarize and practice various activities, including wrestling. The programme was open to all youth and children, including those from disadvantaged financial incomes. Training sessions were held in a variety of sports and activities, including swimming, hiking and wrestling. 

FEL President Javier Iglesias SERNA said, "The aim of the joint initiative was to create a variety of transversal activities to engage the youth and children of this region. We want the future generation to feel considered and part of the wrestling family."

 Educational sessions were also given to the physical education teachers on techniques, nutrition, psychology while keeping the focus wrestling as a valuable educational tool.


"We are very happy and thrilled with the outcomes of such small initiatives," said UWW Development Director Deqa NIAMKEY. "Federacion Espagnola de Lucha has been collaborating with UWW in the last years and is paving the way for the future generations of Spain. Now more than ever, we realize the importance of sport for all human beings, not only for the physical training but most importantly, the mental well-being. We want such initiatives within all our NF’s around the world as it is the first milestone to sports development from grassroots to elite."

Federacion de Lucha Espagnola President Francisco Javier IGLESIAS SERNA commented, "We thank UWW for its support with the Grassroot Programme - Sport for All project which has helped the development of Olympic wrestling in Spain. Spain is working on future projects in support of the base of Olympic wrestling with the creation of degrees to encourage young people and the help of sports equipment to clubs, with the support of the base we guarantee better training and greater opportunities for young people can reach technification with better training. We hope to continue counting on UWW's support for future projects."

#development

UWW Donates Mats to Mauritius for Regional Development Project

By United World Wrestling Press

MAURITUS (April 27) -- United World Wrestling has donated wrestling mats to the Mauritius National Wrestling and Allied Games Association. The mats were provided through UWW’s partner and sponsor, Taishan Sports, in support of the Olympic Solidarity/ UWW Regional Development Program.

The mats will be used as part of the OS/UWW regional program, which aims to strengthen wrestling development in Mauritius and create a lasting impact across the East Africa region. By improving access to quality training facilities and equipment, the initiative seeks to support athletes, coaches, and youth participation while helping national federations raise standards across the region.

The regional program is scheduled to take place from October 9 to 18, 2026 and will combine athlete training camps, coaches’ education, referees’ courses, and a regional competition to conclude the activities. Olympic Solidarity will soon send invitations to all National Olympic Committees in East Africa to participate in the program.

The President of the Mauritius National Wrestling and Allied Games Association Joel ANTOINETTE highly appreciated the donation.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous donation of these wrestling mats," Antoinette said. "This contribution is more than just equipment; it’s the foundation for a new era. We promise to honor this gift by working tirelessly to revolutionize the Wrestling sport, pushing boundaries, and elevating our athletes to heights."

Thanks to the support of the Mauritius National Olympic Committee, this is not the first time that the Mauritius National Wrestling Association has organized such educational events. Over the past years, they have successfully delivered several Olympic Solidarity/UWW development activities at both national and regional levels.

Mauritius has increased its presence on the international wrestling stage in recent years, with athletes competing more regularly at major events thanks to the continued support of the Mauritius National Olympic Committee and the Mauritius Wrestling federation. This progress reflects the growing ambition of the federation and the country’s commitment to advancing the sport.