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Pat Shaw Memorial - Regional Education Development Programme wraps up in Guatemala

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 12:57 By United World Wrestling Press

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GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala (June 12)---The 2024 UWW Pat Shaw Memorial - Regional Education Development Programme (REDP) recently concluded in Guatemala City, marking another milestone in the annual celebration of wrestling excellence.

From May 30 to June 6, the "Center for High-Performance and Development of America" (CARDA) in Guatemala City buzzed with energy as athletes, coaches, and referees gathered for an intensive training camp and educational courses. Under the expert guidance of Iranian coach Reza AZIMI, participants from Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, United States they have honed their skills on four specially prepared mats.

Parallel courses for coaches and referees were a key highlight, underscoring the event's commitment to professional development. The training camp and coaches' course were led by Professor Reza AZIMI, alongside Venezuelan Héctor CAMACHO, while the referees' course was conducted by Puerto Rican international IS category referee Abraham GALVA. These sessions provided comprehensive learning and growth opportunities for all attendees.

GUAAbraham GALVA (PUR) walks referees through their pre-competition meeting at the Pat Shaw Memorial. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

The week was characterized by an atmosphere of enthusiasm and collaboration, culminating in the Technical Congress on June 6. Esteemed attendees included UWWA President Francisco Eduardo LEE LÓPEZ, UWW Development Officer Yuri MAIER, the Executive Committee of the Guatemalan Wrestling Federation, and delegates and coaches from 20 nations.

The climax of the event, the XXXIII "PAT SHAW" Cup, unfolded on June 7th and 8th. With 333 athletes, 44 coaches, 16 delegates, and 25 referees participating, the tournament featured 526 thrilling matches.

This year's tournament was a testament to dedication and passion, with every athlete striving for excellence and glory. The event met all UWW requirements for official competitions, encompassing technological, medical, and sporting standards.

As we bask in the success of the 2024 UWW Pat Shaw Memorial - Regional Education Development Programme (REDP), we eagerly look forward to the next edition, filled with anticipation and confidence that it will further the growth and promotion of wrestling in our region.

United World Wrestling strongly believes that this is the way forward for the development of our sport through programs such as this that bring together athletes, referees, and coaches in an environment that is enriching from an educational and competitive experience, allowing many new participants access to an international event.

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ASDEG Workshop: IF experts discuss AI and new technologies in coaching

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 16:31 By United World Wrestling Press

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LAUSANNE, Switzerland (December 4) -- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other new technologies in coaching topped the agenda of last week’s ASOIF Sport Development and Education Group (ASDEG) Workshop held in Lausanne. The meeting attracted more than 60 experts representing over 30 International Federations (IFs) to gain new insights, share best practice and learn from each other.

United World Wrestling Development Director and ASDEG Chair Deqa NIAMKEY attended the two-day workshop and highlighted the importance of the Workshop when she said:

"This edition of the ASDEG Workshop offered a diverse range of relatable topics to the IFs, focusing on the transformative potential of AI through inclusive education, innovation, and tailored applications for each IF’s unique needs," Niamkey said. "The Workshop serves as a valuable platform for networking, exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and transferring knowledge, all aligned with ASOIF's overarching good governance strategy. I would like to extend my gratitude to ASOIF and their team for their remarkable efforts in organizing such initiatives that elevate our sports, and to the ASDEG for their dedication and invaluable contributions."

The annual meeting is action-oriented and the participants agreed to implement the following initiatives over the next 12 months:

- support IFs in increasing representation of Women Technical Officials and Coaches to meet IOC targets
- design a training program for executives on the strategic and economic value of sport development
- collate Return On Investment information across IFs – including trends and recommendations
- establish regular communication to facilitate cross-sport collaboration and knowledge-sharing
- equip IFs on incorporating technology in development programs and resources for education

"Embracing new technologies and AI is no longer optional; it is a necessity for the International Federations to thrive across all areas, including leadership, sports development and coaching," Stefan LJUTZKANOV, Chief Product Officer Business and Development at Sport ERP, said. "These tools hold the potential to accelerate growth, improve decision-making, and foster inclusivity within our global sports community. The key lies in identifying the gaps and proactively addressing them. By leveraging AI and emerging technologies, we can enhance performance and redefine the roles of coaches, leadership, and athletes, ensuring the future of sport is both innovative and equitable."

Other sessions focused on innovations in delivering educational content to athletes and coaches, specific challenges faced by IFs in this area, IF success stories, and the certification of coach licenses to attain global recognition. Sheila Stephens DESBANS from Olympic Solidarity also joined in the Workshop to present projects and related changes for IFs in the next quadrennium.