Development

Uruguay Wrestling Joins National Training Center Dedicated to Combat Sports

Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - 12:58 By United World Wrestling Press

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MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (October 8) -- For several years the Uruguay Wrestling Federation struggled to find a dedicated training venue to help develop wrestling. Shuttled from building to building in the capital city of Montevideo the team last trained in the corridors of the national stadium.

But after years of struggling for a secure place to train, the Uruguay Wrestling Federation led by president Dante STEFFANO, has finally found a home.

With valuable contribution and support of Secretaria Nacional del Deporte and Uruguay National Olympic Committee, the first ever combat training centre of Uruguay was inaugurated on the 30th September 2019. The centre includes space for the wrestling program.

In 2017 United World Wrestling contributed to the federations's initiative to launch more wrestling programs, receive wrestling mats, and launch a series of action plans to promote wrestling in schools and among the youth.

“We are doing our very best to support the development of wrestling in the Americas and the determination of the leaders of Uruguay Wrestling Federation, is an example of what can be accomplished aside the difficulties encountered," said Francisco Lee Lopez, president of UWW-Americas. "I am very happy to see such results despite the various factors faced in our continent.”

Planning has started for technical and refereeing courses which look to further contribute to the development of wrestling throughout Uruguay.

Development, Coaching

Wrestling Delivers Development Programs in Africa

Thursday, June 20, 2019 - 19:25 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (June 20) -- As part of United World Wrestling’s broader initiative to secure future wrestling opportunities in Africa, the international federation for the sport delivered coaching courses following the 2019 African Wrestling Championships this March.

The courses were held in Namibia and Guinée Bissau and conducted by UWW Development Officer Vincent AKA (CIV) and UWW Educator Juan Luis MAREN (CUB).

An assistance program for underdeveloped wrestling nations was also introduced. In addition, United World Wrestling's Development Department conducted workshops for national federations to inform the leaders of development programs. 

Namibia Wrestling Federation President Magdalena KATIMBA attended the workshop and applied for an Olympic Solidarity Technical Course for her federation. Katimba launched a wrestling social grassroot development program throughout the country and conducted a talent identification program among the youth.At the African Championships, Namibia won its first cadet gold medal and first junior and senior bronze medals. 


Guinée Bissau performed well at the continental championships showed potential despite the difficulties faced by the country, said Maren. The wrestlers are currently training at the UWW African Training Centre under the expertise of Alexis RODRIGUEZ (CUB).

Following the course, Maren visited various clubs in Guinée Bissau to see the sporting infrastructure and assess the development needs of the national federation. 

A grassroot development program will be launched next year in both countries to further contribute to these activities and plan for the 2022 Youth Olympic Games and 2024 Olympic Games. 

Programs on refereeing, coaching and administration education are planned for this year in Chad, Uganda, Cameroon, Morocco and Guinea. 

For any additional information on the development programs, please contact development@unitedworldwrestling.org.