Development

OlympAfrica Hosts Largest Ever Wrestling Event in Ivory Coast

Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - 20:23 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (May 17) -- United World Wrestling has partnered with OlympAfrica in Ivory Coast to host that nation's largest ever wrestling event. The two-month program includes more than 2,000 students from Soubré, Meagui and Okrouyo who are taking part in various camps and competitions until June 23. 

United World Wrestling development officer Vincent AKA, who was born in Ivory Coast and wrestled for France, is also leading a Level 1 coaching course in the country.

OlympAfrica is a foundation that has sport development centers in over 46 African countries and works in collaboration with the National Olympic Committees. It was founded based on an idea expressed by the late Juan Antonio SAMARANCH, former President of the International Olympic Committee. 

The foundation is owned by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and supported by the International Olympic Committee, United World Wrestling and other partners, for the development of sports at a recreational and grassroots level in many African countries.

OlympAfrica has set up centers dedicated to sports activities, workshops, HIV prevention, coaching education and much more. The aim of these centers is to involve the youth in sports and activities that are good for their future development once they have finished their day at school. It's an excellent talent identification tool, particularly with the introduction of the Youth Olympic Games in the Olympic program.
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OlympAfrica Wrestling Event

Zagreb Hosts More Than Medals Camp Prior to Youth Olympic Games

Tuesday, July 24, 2018 - 13:46 By Lei Liang

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (July 14) - More than 90 cadet wrestlers and coaches from five continents participated in the “More than Medals” training camp at the Arena Zagreb following the Cadet World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. 

 “This edition of More than Medals was a great success, thanks to the high number of participants from all five continents. The Croatian Wrestling Federation provided excellent organization and coordination for the smooth running camp. It's the best-organized camp this year” said Ms. Deqa Niamkey, UWW Development Director.

The camp was focused on helping qualified athletes prepare for October’s Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. Clinicians covered technique, as well as strength and conditioning training with Suples equipment before simulation matches took place. 

‘We are pleased that United World Wrestling decided to organize More than Medals World in Zagreb, Croatia. It has given us the opportunity to have our young wrestlers practice with world-class athletes and develop women’s wrestling in Croatia’, said Mr. Davor Jakubek, Secretary General of Croatian Wrestling Federation

Coaches clinics were also organized to encourage high-level coaches to share their experiences while learning together. 

Alexis Rodriguez, former world champion and Olympic Bronze medalist who coaches at the UWW African Centre said, “this camp is beneficial for preparing the athletes for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. Many of the athletes here at the camp will be competing against each other in three months.

For more information on the development schedule, including referee and coach’s clinics, please consult the online calendars:

Educational Programs: https://unitedworldwrestling.org/development/educational-programs
Training Camps: https://unitedworldwrestling.org/development/training-camps.