Development

OlympAfrica Hosts Largest Ever Wrestling Event in Ivory Coast

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (May 17) -- United World Wrestling has partnered with OlympAfrica in Ivory Coast to host that nation's largest ever wrestling event. The two-month program includes more than 2,000 students from Soubré, Meagui and Okrouyo who are taking part in various camps and competitions until June 23. 

United World Wrestling development officer Vincent AKA, who was born in Ivory Coast and wrestled for France, is also leading a Level 1 coaching course in the country.

OlympAfrica is a foundation that has sport development centers in over 46 African countries and works in collaboration with the National Olympic Committees. It was founded based on an idea expressed by the late Juan Antonio SAMARANCH, former President of the International Olympic Committee. 

The foundation is owned by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and supported by the International Olympic Committee, United World Wrestling and other partners, for the development of sports at a recreational and grassroots level in many African countries.

OlympAfrica has set up centers dedicated to sports activities, workshops, HIV prevention, coaching education and much more. The aim of these centers is to involve the youth in sports and activities that are good for their future development once they have finished their day at school. It's an excellent talent identification tool, particularly with the introduction of the Youth Olympic Games in the Olympic program.

#WrestleBelgrade

WATCH: 10 women's wrestling finals from World Championships

By Vinay Siwach

BELGRADE, Serbia (September 28) -- The women's competition was dominated by two nations as they competed for the team title. Japan and the USA went toe-to-toe for the title but ultimately it was Japan that claimed the top honors. Japan won five gold medals the USA won three. Moldova and Turkey won one each.

Watch all the 10 gold medals bouts from the World Championships here.

GOLD: 50kg - Otgonjargal DOLGORJAV (MGL) vs. Yui SUSAKI (JPN)

 

GOLD: 62kg - Nonoka OZAKI (JPN) vs. Kayla MIRACLE (USA)

 

GOLD: 65kg - Miwa MORIKAWA (JPN) vs. Jia LONG (CHN)

 

GOLD: 76kg - Yasemin ADAR (TUR) vs. Samar HAMZA (EGY)