Development

Guatamala plays host to 2024 Educators' Course

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 14:47 By United World Wrestling Press

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PETEN, Guatemala (November 20) — Nestled in the depths of the ancient Mayan Empire, Peten, Guatemala, served as the 2024 Educators' Course host city. This event brought together 11 educators, including three referees and eight coaches, all hailing from Latin America. The course was held on November 11–12 to equip participants with tools to enhance their professional education practice.

Throughout the course, participants engaged in various activities designed to deepen their understanding of adult learning principles, using formative assessments, effective feedback strategies, and integrating new technologies as valuable educational tools. Beyond listening to lectures, educators actively participated in practical micro-leadership activities, teaching their peers topics from the UWW education program.

Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA) delivered the training, with support from Yuri MAIER (ARG) and the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling.

As an added cultural experience, the educators visited the Tikal National Park, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of the ancient Mayan civilization. They also stayed at a hotel nestled in the heart of the Central American jungle, fostering team dynamics and strengthening bonds among the participants. This camaraderie lays a strong foundation for collaboration during future courses they will deliver.

Notably, of the 11 participants, seven had prior experience as educators. The new additions to the program showcased impressive aptitude and readiness to embrace this new challenge, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.

Mr. Francisco LEE LOPEZ and his team coordinated the course and ensured its success. Mr. LEE also addressed the participants, extending a warm welcome, expressing gratitude, and commending their dedication to advancing the development of wrestling in the region.

This enriching experience elevated the educators’ professional capacities and underscored their vital role in shaping the future of wrestling education in Latin America.

Wrestling Hosts Continental Educator Course in Morocco

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 - 22:01 By United World Wrestling Press

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EL JADIDA, Morocco (March 24) -- United World Wrestling's continental educator course, organized by UWW Africa, Royal Morocco Wrestling Federation and UWW Development Department, was held March 9-11 in El Jadida, Morocco.

The course took place at the UWW continental training center with the participation of four high-level coaches and a referee under the expertise of Vincent AKA, UWW Development Officer and Master Educator.

The course proved to be a great success and will allow newly certified educators to deliver courses throughout a continent that is in great need of refereeing and coaching development. 

Kamel BOUAZIZ (TUN), Akuh PURITY (NGR), Christian DANGA (CAF), Juan Maren DELIS (CUB), and Alexis RODRIGUEZ (CUB) participated in the course, which focused on various areas of teaching elements while providing practical expertise in the delivery of wrestling education.


The program was divided into three intense working days for the participants in theoretical and practical session. On the final day, Moroccan referees and coaches attended a group session where the educators delivered the elements learned the previous days.

"I highly appreciate the format and this new approach of teaching that will empower the participants practical and methodological knowledge while constantly self-reflecting on the key areas linked to their expertise," said Bouaziz. "I am sure this new format will highly contribute to the development of our sport on the continent that is in high need and demand.


Akuh reflected on the knowledge he gained from the course and how he can help others.

"Through the period of this course I have been taught to observe carefully, listen to questions, discover what interests coaches and officials, and then provide them with opportunity to explore," said Akuh. "I have acquired more knowledge, learned new methods and skills of development. The educator course thought me that leadership is having passion to serve and make others grow.

UWW Development Director Deqa NIAMKEY provided updates on the UWW Development programs and the process of delivery of the courses.

"I am very happy that this course took place despite the current global challenge," said Niamkey. "The African continent requires great assistance in the education of wrestling content for many nations and in view of the Youth Olympic Games 2022, the newly certified educators will highly contribute to the growth of wrestling."

 UWW Africa President Fouad MESKOUT believes the course will help increase the number of Olympic wrestling nations on the continent. 

"The course has provided great expertise to the participants that will contribute to increasing the number of Olympic wrestling nations on the continent," said Meskout. "Currently most of our national federations practice traditional wrestling and the continent is overflowing with great talent. I am sure that in the coming years we will host more national courses while implementing the required educational pathway for our member federations that will show immediate results."