Development

Sudan Engages with Development of the National Sports System in Wrestling

By Tim Foley

DARFOUR (May 14) --  For hundreds of years wrestling in Sudan served to build ties between tribes, but today the sport is growing into Olympic territory with the implementation of United World Wrestling and Olympic Solidarity’s implementation of the Development National Sports System (DNSS) program.

The program’s launch took place this May in Khartoum with the visit of Vincent AKA, development officer for Africa who worked with local organizers to conduct the first steps of the DNSS.

Wrestlers from Sudan had recently been motivated to join the sport's global community after the UWW educator Nico Coetzee, conducted a Level One coaching course in the country in 2016

After the recent developments the Sudanese National Olympic Committee on April 22 offered it’s backing for the creation and to support of the wrestling federation through Olympic Solidarity.

The DNSS has three important phases, which will be implemented on the following dates:

Phase 1 (April 22-29)-: Assessment and implementation of Program Implantation of the DNSS. Training camp-talent identification and assessment included eight coaches and thirty athletes. Also, for the first time in Sudan, there was support for women’s wrestling.

Phase 2 (June 18-24): Intermediary evaluation-follow up and recommendations. Evaluation of the senior-level wrestlers and the start of the training camp and talent identification for Juniors and Cadets

Phase 3 (June 23-29): Final evaluation and recommendations of the best Cadets and Juniors, followed by a joint camp for all age groups.

 

#development

Moldova Hosts UWW Coaching Course

By United World Wrestling Press

KISHINEV, Moldova (October 30) --- Moldova boasts a rich wrestling history and a strong tradition of excellent performance in the sport. In their ongoing efforts to foster the development and growth of wrestling, a Technical Course for Coaches (Level 2) and an Introduction to Refereeing Course were organized. These courses were conducted in partnership with the Moldova Olympic Committee, Olympic Solidarity and United World Wrestling.

"As the President of the Wrestling Federation of Moldova, I feel satisfaction in seeing how our shared passion for wrestling unites us," said Ivan GHEORGHIU. "The seminar has brought a wealth of interesting information and knowledge, as well as a valuable opportunity to discuss and exchange experiences. We must use this experience and knowledge to uphold high standards in our sport in Moldova."

Yusup ABDUSALAMOV, UWW Educator, and Arsen JULFALAKYAN, President of UWW Athlete Commission, led the Level 2 Coaching Course, which took place October 16-20. 

MDAParticipants walk through how to develop a practice plan during the Level 2 Coaching Course in Moldova. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Throughout the course, Abdusalamov and Julfalakyan led 59 participants in sessions focused on practice-plan development, long-term athlete development model, risk management, discipline in sport, anti-doping, mental development and athlete safeguarding.

"Overall, the course went well, and I am satisfied with the participants' engagement and progress throughout the training. I anticipate their enhanced coaching skills will have a positive impact on their athletes in the future," said Abdusalamov.

"Since my cadet ages, I had the opportunity to compete with Moldavian wrestlers, be acquainted with their wrestling style and build friendly relations. Until now, I haven't managed to visit their beautiful country to witness their conditions for wrestling and how they run our beloved sport," said Julfalakyan, the world champion and Olympic silver medalist. "We met most of the Moldavian coaches and referees, held very fruitful seminars (theory and practical part), and discussed some important wrestling topics with the NF President and other members. They are very motivated to develop all wrestling styles in their country."

MDA
Participants of the Technical Course for Coaches (Level 2) and the Introduction to Refereeing Course pose for a group photo. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

"As both an athlete and a coach, the information I received at the Technical Course for Coaches Level II was incredibly beneficial, particularly concerning the long-term athlete development model. I also appreciated your personal experiences and the practical applicability of all the information," said Mikhail SAVA.

In addition to the coaching course, Moldova hosted an Introduction to Refereeing course. Igor LIGAY, an IS Referee and UWW Educator, led the course, which 29 participants attended. During the course, the participants focused on the tools needed to excel as a high-level referee. These areas included referee team duties, referee mechanics, controlling the bout, referee position, and scoring situations. 

"Thank you very much for the knowledge, skills, abilities and information you shared with us," said Mihail.

"All seminar participants actively participated in the process, asked questions and participated in discussions. They were often surprised how much the rules had changed. After the seminar, many expressed gratitude for the knowledge they received and expressed a desire to hold similar seminars in Moldova every year," Ligay.