Development

Bulgaria Hosts Successful 'More Than Medals' Wrestling Development Camp

Tuesday, August 13, 2019 - 13:54 By Tim Foley

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (August 13) -- The United World Wrestling development department, along with the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation, last week hosted the annual 'More than Medals' World Camp (MTM) with more than 30 athletes and a half dozen coaches from several nations in attendance. The camp followed the 2019 Cadet Wrestling World Championships also held in Sofia.

MTM is a full athlete developmental clinic focusing on both techniques and education for athletes ages 14-17. Clinicians covered how to plan for training, Olympic values, and proper nutrition. There was also an anti-doping seminar led by Mrs. Elka GALEVA of the Bulgarian National Anti-Doping Organization.



"The atmosphere in Sofia was great! Everyone shifted very quickly from being opponents to friends," said UWW Development Director Deqa NIAMKEY. "Despite coming from different countries and languages the wrestlers found ways to unify. Wrestling is a universal language and our programs aim to enhance the knowledge and capacities of our athletes."

For the first time ever, the MTM camp included athletes and coaches from Spain and Estonia.

"This was my first More Than Medals camp and I thought that the UWW educators were very good and that the services were excellent," said Martin PLASER (EST). "They adapt the training to each individual and bring out the best from each participant. They give chance to learn to each athlete while respecting everyone’s background and culture."


Local athletes also joined in the learning with five local wrestlers attending the camp and taking in lessons from a variety of UWW instructors.

"We are very happy to be here and we made some great friends," said wrestler Sofia TENEVA (BUL). "It is good to learn the working and training methods of others. To learn from each other and we will gladly participate in future camps"


In fulfilling their mission to provide wrestling opportunities to all wrestlers around the world, the UWW Development Department will next host an acclimation camp for the 2019 Senior Wrestling World Championships this September in Nur-Sultan.

Wrestling Community Celebrates Successful 'Women in Wrestling Global Forum'

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 - 19:32 By United World Wrestling Press

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ISTANBUL (November 29) -- Fresh from completing a full week of leadership activities at the Women in Wrestling Global Forum, several key members of the wrestling community offered their feedback forum dedicated to the empowerment of women in the sport to balance gender and diversity for the future. 

There were 50 female participants from 40 nations in attendance at the four-day forum in Istanbul.

Following the close of the forum, United World Wrestling president and IOC Executive Board member Nenad LALOVIC expressed his satisfaction with the event and its objectives.

United World Wrestling president and IOC Executive Board member Nenad Lalovic expressed his satisfaction with the event and its objectives (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

"We know the importance of staying on top of Agenda 2020 and we are committed to propelling wrestling in the right direction. More diversity, more opportunities will contribute to the greater growth of our sport worldwide. This forum has been a key factor in our plans for the future of women in the sport," said Lalovic.

Prof. Dr. Ibrahim CICIOGLU (TUR), Member of the Refereeing Commission, conveyed similar satisfaction with the program and its ability to provide real opportunities to women around the world. 

"It is the first time that I've worked with such a large group of women from the UWW family. The participants are very well aware of the challenges they encounter and the opportunities that are required to grow our sport in their countries. This program focuses on leadership and communication development skills and should be applied to all of our education programs -- especially in the refereeing."

Sally Roberts (USA), Founder of "Wrestle Like a Girl," spoke at the Women in Wrestling Global Forum (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

Sally ROBERTS (USA), Founder of "Wrestle Like a Girl," revealed, "This was one of the most impactful forums that I've ever been to. When I was watching the athletes, they were sure to stand in their space so much more boldly and proudly. And when I was sitting with the athletes during lunch and dinner, they said: ‘I've never felt so supportive by my federation, and I've never felt them want me to be so strong.’"

When asked about her experience at the second Women in Wrestling Global Forum, Anara KAPPASSOVA (KAZ) and administrator at her national federation highlighted the knowledge she acquired on site 

"I received great educational tools and exchanges with the participants coming from all over the world. These four days were an eye-opener for me, to be more confident while improving my leadership skills so I can improve the work within my national federation to increase women's involvement in all areas."
 
Lise LEGRAND (FRA), Vice President of FFLA and Olympian, joyfully added, "I am more confident and stronger after these four days. I met passionate women and men here in Istanbul that want to build tomorrow's wrestling, which integrates diversity, culture, respect, and mutual collaboration. 

Daniel Igali (NGR) left the forum satisfied with the experience (Photo/Kadir Caliskan)

Olympic champion and Nigerian Wrestling Federation president Daniel IGALI (NGR) said he left the forum extremely satisfied. 

"I had an amazing four days of learning incredible life professional life skills, communication, and motivational stories. I am convinced participants are leaving here better prepared to be effective leaders."
 
UWW Development Department will announce the dates and location for the III Forum in December 2020. For more information on the development programs, please consult www.unitedworldwrestling.org/development