#WrestleDortmund

Germany's Dittmann Elected President of UWW Europe

By United World Wrestling Press

DORTMUND, Germany (June 27) -- Karl-Martin Dittmann, Secretary-General of the German Wrestling Federation, was elected President of UWW Europe this week during a meeting at the European Junior Championships in Dortmund.

Elections were held for the entire UWW Europe bureau, Ali Csilla (HUN), Georgy Bryusov (RUS), Pircalabu Razvan (ROM), Zeljko Trajkovic (SRN), Pertti Vehviläinen (FIN), Vrenezi Betim (MKD) each being elected to a four-year term.

Dittmann’s election follows the sudden passing of longtime UWW Europe president Tseno TSENOV earlier this year.  

“I thank all my colleagues from the European wrestling community for electing me as their president and the trust they showed with this,” said Dittman. “Those who know me know that I will do everything to keep wrestling not just on the high level it already is in Europe, but to improve it in these tough times with the help of my European friends and the support of United World Wrestling.”

Dittman has been Secretary-General of the German Wrestling Federation since 2001 and in 2013, he was elected to the board of UWW Europe, then became a member of the UWW Bureau in 2014.

United World Wrestling President Nenad Lalovic: saind, "I congratulate Karl-Martin for being elected as UWW Europe President. After the sudden death of his predecessor Tzenov in spring, UWW Europe has a president again. He's someone who dedicates his life and passion to wrestling. For years, Karl Martin has been an active member of the UWW Bureau and we work efficiently and cordially together. I know UWW Europe is in the  best hands possible.“

#development

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

By United World Wrestling Press

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.