kouratane

Kourtane Olympic Training Facility Undergoes Expansion

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 27) -- United World Wrestling partner Kourtane Training Center in Finland has completed the expansion of their main training facility. The upgrade includes more than 1000 square meters of additional training and workout space for the Finnish Wrestling Team and international guests.

The aim of the wrestling hall is to allow for it to become a main location for training camps prior or post major events, especially for women’s wrestling.
 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic its unclear when the first training camp or competition will be held in the new facility, but there is some hope that one might be hosted by year-end inviting the neighboring countries if permitted. Some camps include upper weights categories focused on women and a selection of regional preparation tournaments.

”I hope we can organize together the next training camp in KOTC before the end of 2020 after the end of the pandemic," said Antti PEKKALA Secretary General of Finnish Wrestling Federation. "I am personally working hard for the organization of the U23 Worlds planned this coming November in Tampere and to organize an international training camp in conjunction with the championship. I look forward to welcoming the UWW family to Finland”

For further information on the Kourtane Training Center and opportunities, please contact development@unitedworldwrestling.org

Obituary, #UnitedWorldWrestling

Former UWW Sec Gen Dusson passes away

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 29) -- Former United World Wrestling General Secretary and Hall of Fame member Michel DUSSON passed away Thursday aged 90 years.

Dusson served wrestling for close to 65 years in different positions including being a referee, President of Federation Francaise de Lutte and Secretary General of UWW from 1982 to 2022.

UWW President expressed his condolences on the demise of Dusson and thanked him for his service to wrestling.

"Dusson was a true steward of the sport of wrestling," Lalovic said. "He dedicated his life to it and served across many eras. We are forever indebted to his unwavering commitment and lifelong dedication to wrestling."

Before being appointed the Secretary General in 1982, Dusson was the Bureau member of UWW (then FILA) from 1980. He began his referee career in 1959 and remained one till 1980, officiating the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.

He also served as the member of the French Olympic Committee for 12 years besides being appointed as the CAS Arbitrator from 1984 to 1992.

While he made numerous contribution to grow and improve wrestling over the years, Dusson played a major role in bringing Women's Wrestling to the Olympic program.

In 2018, he was inducted into the UWW Hall of Fame at a ceremony on the eve of the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

UWW expresses its condolences to the Dusson family.