#development

Learn, Wrestle, Use youth camp organized in Croatia

By United World Wrestling Press

POREC, Croatia (May 6) -- The Croatian Wrestling Federation, in cooperation with United World Wrestling and the Croatian School Sports Federation, successfully organized an international youth wrestling camp titled “Learn, Wrestle, Use”, held from April 14 to 19, 2025, in the renowned wrestling hub of sunny Porec.

The camp brought together 300 young athletes from four European countries -- Croatia, Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany -- in the U13, U15 and U17 age groups. In addition to intensive wrestling training, the camp included targeted educational sessions of learning English, proper nutrition, and digital safety, particularly regarding responsible behavior on social media.

This innovative project stands out for its integrated approach, combining athletic preparation with personal development. Through a balance of physical training and structured education, “Learn, Wrestle, Use” supports the holistic — both physical and psychological — development of young athletes. It encourages not only sporting excellence, but also intercultural exchange, communication skills, and lifelong healthy habits.

The camp was led by a team of distinguished Croatian coaches: Hrvoje SAVUK (U13 Boys Group), Eugen JAKOVLJEVIC, head coach of the Croatian U15 boys national team (U15 & U17 Boys Groups), and Women’s Wrestling national team coaches Dinko KREMIC and Nenad GREZINA (Girls Group). A total of 30 experienced coaches participated in the delivery of the training and educational components.

This international initiative is a strong example of how youth sport can go beyond competition — creating space for learning, connection, and empowerment across borders.

#development

UWW Signs MoU with Hungary University of Sports Science and KIMBA to Expand Educational Programme

By United World Wrestling Press

BUDAPEST, Hungary (June 15) -- United World Wrestling (UWW), the Hungary Wrestling Federation (MBSZ), and the Hungarian University of Physical Education and Sport Sciences (HUSS/TF) have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening wrestling education, research, and international cooperation.

The agreement was officially signed in Budapest by UWW President Nenad LALOVIC, MBSZ President Szilard NEMETH, and HUSS Rector Tamas STERBENZ. The partnership is designed to further develop wrestling-specific educational programmes while enhancing opportunities for coaches, athletes, researchers, and sports professionals worldwide.
 KIMBAFrom left to right: HUSS Vice Rector Dr. Csaba OKROS, UWW President Nenad LALOVIC, President of MBSZ Nemeth SZILARD, HUSS Rector Dr. Tamas STERBENZ, UWW Bureau Member Peter BACSA and KIMBA Head of Trustee  Laszlo SULE.

Under the new collaboration, the institutions will work together to provide expanded educational pathways tailored to the wrestling community. The initiative will include specialized courses and programmes focused on professional development, athlete performance support, sports science, health management, and injury prevention.

The MoU also promotes international academic and professional exchanges involving students, researchers, and experts, with the broader objective of strengthening global wrestling development and cooperation.

Supported by Olympic Solidarity, four wrestling coaches recently graduated from the programme and participated in the academy’s first mentorship programme, highlighting the growing international impact of the initiative.

Several prominent figures from the wrestling and academic communities attended the signing ceremony in Budapest, including UWW Bureau Member Peter BACSA, HUSS Vice Rector Csaba OKROS, KIMBA Head of Trustee Laszlo SULE, and Assistant Professor of the Department of Martial Arts Gergely BABSZKY.

The partnership marks another important step in UWW’s efforts to professionalize wrestling education and create sustainable development opportunities for the global wrestling community.