Obituary

Former Bureau Member and Hall of Fame Inductee Mario Saletnig, Passes Away

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - 14:37 By Wrestling Canada

Share this article

Mario Saletnig an advocate for the sport of wrestling, as both an official and administrator in Canada and internationally, has died.

He served as President of the Canadian Officials Association, and was a referee at four Olympic Games and 25 World Championships, as well as other numerous Continental Championships and Games.

In addition to his work as a referee, Mr. Saletnig was elected to the FILA (now United World Wrestling) Bureau in 1986, became a FILA instructor for 23 years, and served as FILA Vice President from 2000 to 2010.

Mr. Saletnig was President of Wrestling Canada Lutte and served as a Chef de Mission for the Canadian Commonwealth Games Association at the 1986 Commonwealth Games. He was Wrestling Canada’s Vice President, International from 1986 to 2010.

In 1999, Mario Saletnig was inducted to the Wrestling Canada Hall of Fame in the Builder Category, and in 2012 he was named to the FILA Hall of Fame.

Mr. Saletnig also served on the Executive Committee of the Pan-American Wrestling Association for 15 years. His involvement in international wrestling spanned over forty years as an official and administrator.

“Mario was an integral part of the wrestling community here in Canada and globally”, said Don Ryan, President of WCL. “His contributions to the sport were many and significant. We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends during this time”.

via Wrestling Canada

Development

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

Monday, October 14, 2024 - 12:21 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

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.