Development

Palau Showing Support for Peace-Through-Sport Movement with White Cards

Monday, April 23, 2018 - 07:01 By United World Wrestling Press

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Palau has been actively supporting the peace-through-sport movement by displaying a white card as part of their digital campaign to show their commitment to peace and sports efforts worldwide. 

The annual campaign recognizes the importance of the peace-through-sport movement, capturing the attention of millions of people each year through social networks in the lead up to International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP). As part of the White Card campaign, Olympians and members of the Olympic family are invited to hold up a symbolic white card and share a photo of themselves doing so on social media.

The first display of the white card was in Peleliu State during the outreach program and sports events that began on April 7 and concluded on April 9 in commemoration of Palau National Olympic Day and the third anniversary of the Emperor and Empress of Japan historic visit to Palau. Mats were provided by United World Wrestling.

On April 9, the first beach wrestling competition took place in Peleliu. After the competition, wrestlers displayed the white card as part of their Olympic support. 

The symbolic white card was displayed by students at Ngarchelong Elementary, Ngeremlengui Elementary and Ngaraard Elementary after taking part in the wrestling outreach PE program. 

According to John Tarkong Jr., Olympian and President of the Palau Olympians & Athletes Commission (POAC), "This is our way of showing the world that Palau is committed on promoting peace and sport as a means of change in Palau and the world when conducting our activities and events. This effort is also in line with the Presidential Proclamation designating 2018 as the Year of Good Health."

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