#BeachWrestlingWorldSeries

UWW promotes clean-up, turtle preservation at beach wrestling

Monday, June 13, 2022 - 10:20 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (June 13) -- United World Wrestling hosted the first stop of the Beach Wrestling World Series in Sarigerme, Turkey last month. Apart from focusing on bringing beach wrestling to the mainstream, UWW implemented actions and activities to raise awareness about the environment while reducing its impact during major events since 2018.

For the first stop, UWW put three goals in focus in Turkey. It worked on donations and spreading a message to treat turtles, clean up the beach during and after the competition and help the region replant trees that were destroyed by the 2021 wildfires in Turkey.

The international body for wrestling signed the UNCCC framework and adopted the Sport Climate Action Plan in 2019.

"I think it's wonderful that during the world series, the community is paying attention to global issues," Nese GUNDOGAN, Turkey NOC Secretary-General, said.  “Cleaning the beach and planting trees is a great initiative that aligns well with the discipline”.

UWW's initiative to help save turtles was inspired by the people who were already working hard to preserve the animal by involving all stakeholders in the situation of Caretta caretta, the loggerhead sea turtles, and their eco-system.

The project is to bring officials for a tour of the sea and try to understand better how this Caretta is living there. A visit to the hospital where the turtles are treated and brought back to water is also undertaken.

Last year, Turkey faced massive wildfires including Sarigerme. The local community and authorities have already established a replantation program for the burnt forest. UWW began an initiative to raise awareness of climate change matters. The national teams and officials joined the 'replant trees day'.

 BeachA tree plantation drive was also conducted in Sarigerme. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

The Beach Clean initiative began in Sarigerme but will be replicated at all the stops of the world series in 2022. All delegations will take part in the initiative in collaboration with the local community.

At the first stop, reusable water bottles were given to the participants with the objective to stop the use of plastic bottles. The trend will continue at the remaining stops including the finals.

For beach wrestling action, please check out beachwrestling.org as the second stop is live from Sanxenxo, Spain on June18-19.

Development

South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week: A Vital Step in Wrestling Development

Monday, October 14, 2024 - 12:21 By United World Wrestling Press

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PERTH, Australia (October 14, 2024) – The South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week, held in Perth from September 30 to October 4, marked a significant milestone in the growth and development of wrestling across the region. Representatives from seven Oceania nations—Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Tahiti, and the Marshall Islands—and a participant from Singapore gathered to foster collaboration and enhance wrestling expertise. For many, it was their first UWW certification in years, adding even more impact to the event.

The week was packed with essential courses focused on both technical and administrative skill development. The Level 3 Coaching Course, led by UWW Educator and USA Wrestling Gold Level Coach Marty Huack, provided advanced coaching strategies, emphasizing elite training methodologies and periodization. Participants gained valuable insights to elevate their coaching approaches and optimize athlete performance at the highest levels of competition.

The Level 2 Referee Course, delivered by UWW 1S Referee and local expert Stefan Rudevics, focused on refining officiating skills. Attendees deepened their understanding of rules, decision-making processes, and match management, significantly enhancing their capabilities for future tournaments. Additionally, Youssef Bouaziz, a UWW IT Specialist, led an IT Course that equipped participants with the digital tools essential for modern sports administration, including proficiency in the Arena platform for managing both national and international events.

AUSParticipants pose for a photo after the conclusion of The South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

One of the week's standout moments was the opportunity for referees and IT participants to apply their newly acquired skills at the Australian Youth National Championships, which ran concurrently with Education Week. This live event setting allowed participants to gain hands-on experience, reinforcing their training and building confidence in real-time scenarios.

Feedback from the attending nations emphasized the significant professional growth experienced by participants, who valued the interactive, hands-on format of both the coaching and refereeing courses. The IT course, which focused on leveraging the Arena platform, was also highly praised for its practical application. During a feedback forum at the event's conclusion, participants expressed strong enthusiasm for future educational opportunities, reflecting their dedication to ongoing development.

Beyond technical training, Education Week fostered a deeper sense of unity and collaboration within South-East Asia and Oceania wrestling communities. By bringing together representatives from across the region, the event strengthened relationships and reinforced a collective ambition to raise wrestling standards. This spirit of cooperation enhanced individual skills while laying the groundwork for future growth and partnerships.

The success of South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week underscores the importance of regional collaboration in advancing wrestling development. We look forward to welcoming even more participants in future editions as we continue to elevate the sport across South-East Asia and Oceania.