UTS Virtual Youth Festival 2020

UTS Launches Official Logo for Virtual Youth Festival 2020

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 - 11:24 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (September 22) -- United World Wrestling partner United Through Sports (UTS) has launched the official logo for the first edition of the UTS Virtual Youth Festival 2020.

According to the UTS release, the logo stands to "represent unity in diversity through the inclusion of all youth regardless of ability."

The design uses a vibrant, bold and youthful color palette appealing to the younger generations signifying fun and positivity. The festival logo is built upon the foundations of the UTS official logo and adapted towards the novel virtual festival concept.

The centre of the logo symbolises the digital world with four different youth encircling the globe. They are connected across the world sharing the same experience, the same event at the same time. The font was chosen to give an urban, brushstroke and down-to-earth approach to demonstrate the feeling of movement and creativity.

This festival encourages youth to showcase their unique talents and creativity, offering them a chance to shine bright during a difficult time. Over 60 organizations and federations have joined to participate and/or contribute towards this unique event which has been patronized by the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, Special Olympics, Sportaccord and GAISF.

UTS aims to focus on promoting more inclusion through sport, to encourage a change in perspective and create more opportunities for youth with different abilities.

UTS's Virtual Youth Festival will be the first of its kind with a charge promote unity through sport.

UTS/AIMS President, Stephan Fox, said: “Now is the time to unite towards a better world. Many children around the world will remain in quarantine after the pandemic ends and we need to find sustainable solutions to reach them, to give them opportunities and to include them.”

We all feel the impact the pandemic has had on the international sport community, he said: “No child should be forgotten or left behind and now we have a unique chance to motivate the youth and keep them engaged in sports towards their physical health and wellness.”

“The festival will give the youth joy through the digital ecosystem. With an increase of mental health issues in many parts of the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, we all need to remember the youth are also facing many challenges during this crisis.”

#development

Women's coaches and referees course held in Colombia

Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 12:59 By United World Wrestling Press

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RIONEGRO, Colombia (April 23) -- An unprecedented international course, exclusively for Spanish-speaking female coaches and referees, was held in Rionegro, Colombia from April 16 to 18.

Organized by United World Wrestling (UWW) with support from Olympic Solidarity, the event took place at the Recinto Quirama, gathering 33 participants from 15 Latin American countries.

The course was inaugurated by UWW Development Director Deqa NIAMKEY, UWW Sport and Development Officer Yuri Maier and member of the UWW Americas Executive Committee Fanny ECHEVERRY.

The educational sessions were led by Rafael GALVA LEBRON, an Olympic referee and member of the UWW Referee Commission, known for his passionate and dynamic teaching style and Raul TRUJILLO DIAZ, one of the most respected Greco-Roman wrestling coaches globally, recognized for guiding the legendary Olympic champion Mijain LOPEZ (CUB).

Throughout three days filled with camaraderie, learning, and solidarity, the participants engaged in integrated theoretical and practical sessions conducted in a shared venue.

This approach facilitated dynamic exchanges, ongoing dialogue between coaches and referees, and created a supportive and collaborative learning environment. The course activities included live simulations, technical analyses, motivational talks, and workshops on leadership and personal development.

Notably, the event featured motivational speeches by Jackeline RENTERIA, Colombia's two-time Olympic medalist and a leading figure in Women's Wrestling on the continent, and Jessica ECHEVERRY, President of the Risaraldense Wrestling League.

Both speakers emphasized shared experiences and the importance of women supporting each other beyond individual differences.

COLParticipants listen to United World Wrestling's Development Department's opening remarks. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

"This course was a significant opportunity to continue learning and to give back to the sport that has given me so much," Nes RODRIGUEZ (PUR) said. "Now, as a sports director, my goal is to inspire children and youth by showing them that sports can provide a life full of opportunities beyond any hardships."

Other expressed how motivated they were after attending the courses.

"It reminded me of the importance of never giving up, not only as a coach but also as a woman," Keliyojana VAZQUEZ (MEX) said. "I'm returning home with new tools to improve my work and appreciate myself more in every aspect."

"I leave with the commitment to build networks of support and communication among us," Paula GRAJALES (COL) said. "We are friends and colleagues who must unite to grow together and continue transforming our communities and the sport."

The pioneering course, aligned with the Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) agenda of the International Olympic Committee, represented a historic milestone for women's wrestling in Latin America

The notable personal growth experienced by the participants confirmed that when women come together and put aside competition, they significantly amplify their transformative power, strengthening the future of women's sports in the region.