Development

Level II Course for Coaches and Referees in Guatemala

By United World Wrestling Press

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala (December 30) -- 15 coaches and 5 referees from different departments from Guatemala participated in the UWW Course for Coaches and Referees Level II from the 7th to 13th December 2021 in the Guatemala National Wrestling Training Center. This course was organized by the National Federation of Guatemala, United World Wrestling Development Department, and the National Olympic Committee of Guatemala with the support of Olympic Solidarity.

UWW certified educators Abraham GALVA (PUR) for referees and Pedro ROJAS (PUR) for coaches.

The course was focused on the updating of new regulatory changes and at the same time in which they learned about teaching methodology and planification of sports training.

GUA

Group discussions were realized and experiences from other coaches were presented about topics related to methods and processes about sports training by age and stages. During every session, participants including coaches and referees showed a great level of commitment.

Recently retired athlete and current National Coach Christian Jose MOX ARIAS said “I’m very excited to have this kind of workshop in my country. This will help me to develop my skills as a coach and I can’t wait to give my students all the new knowledge.”

After the course, at the closing ceremony were present Francisco LEE LOPEZ, President UWWA, the President of the Guatemala Federation Ramón Francisco GONZÁLEZ PINEDA, and members from the National Olympic Committee of Guatemala awarding the participant with the participation certificates.

#development

U17 Pan-Ams More Than Medals Camp Sees Highest-Ever Participation

By United World Wrestling Press

PANAMA CITY, Panama (April 14) -- United World Wrestling’s More Than Medals program reached a new milestone as its 10th edition in Panama recorded its highest participation to date, bringing together 120 athletes from 17 countries across the Americas.

Held from April 6 to 11 in Panama City, the six-day camp reflected the steady growth of the program, both in scale and impact, reinforcing its role as one of UWW’s leading development initiatives in the region.

Since its inception, More Than Medals has been designed to go beyond competition, and the 2026 edition continued that vision by combining high-performance training with education and cultural exchange. The record participation in this milestone edition highlighted the increasing relevance of the program.

On the mat, athletes trained under the guidance of experienced regional coaches, focusing on technical execution, tactical awareness and physical conditioning. Sessions were structured to accommodate different levels, ensuring a productive environment for both emerging and advanced wrestlers.

Off the mat, the educational component remained central to the program. Workshops on anti-doping and sports psychology provided athletes with essential tools to manage performance, decision-making and well-being in high-level environments.

The program also emphasized connection and exchange among participants. Cultural activities, including visits to local natural sites and the Panama Canal, offered opportunities for athletes to interact outside of training, strengthening relationships across national boundaries.