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.

#WrestleTirana

Tirana to host 2023 U23 World Championships

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 15) -- United World Wrestling has decided to reallocate the 2023 U23 World Championships to Tirana, Albania. The event was originally scheduled to be held in Tampere, Finland.

The World Championships in Tirana will run from October 23 to 29, 2023 with Freestyle kicking off the competition followed by Women's Wrestling and Greco-Roman. The deadline for the entries has been set for October 5, 2023.

Albanian Wrestling Federation hosted the 2023 U17 European Championships and was the best among the candidacies received by UWW.

UWW acknowledges the inconvenience these changes may cause the National Federations. UWW wants to emphasize that all the decisions made were centered around the well-being of the athletes and their opportunity to participate in wrestling events worldwide. It also appreciates the understanding and cooperation during this transition.

NFs are requested to contact UWW for further questions or assistance.