Development

Wrestling completes tree-planting initiative in Casablanca

Monday, June 30, 2025 - 11:52 By United World Wrestling Press

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CASABLANCA, Morocco (June 30) --- A tree-planting initiative was organized in Casablanca in partnership with local authorities. This initiative aimed to raise participants’ awareness of the environmental emergency and the role of sport in combating climate change.

“Planting a tree is sowing a promise. Today, we plant for tomorrow, just as we train today for tomorrow’s medals,” said Assad Ouassama a young Moroccan wrestler participating in the camp, with emotion.

An educational session on environmental protection in sport also took place on April 25, continuing eco-responsible momentum.

A Fraternal Atmosphere and a Family Spirit

Beyond the technical and educational aspects, this camp provided many athletes with the opportunity to build lasting bonds with their fellow African counterparts.

“I leave not only stronger, but with lifelong friends. Camps like this strengthen our continental identity and spirit of unity,” emphasized Rahman Sesay ABDUL, a Sierra Leonean coach attending the training camp.

The warm atmosphere and high-quality exchanges confirmed the value of this holistic approach to sports training.

Toward a New Model of Sports Organization in Africa

By combining sporting excellence with educational values and social engagement, United World Wrestling is promoting an innovative model for competitions across the African continent.

“Casablanca 2025 is not just a competition; it’s a turning point. By integrating these educational dimensions, we are building a sustainable ecosystem for wrestling in Africa,” concluded Fouad Meskout, President of UWW Africa.

A Lasting Legacy for Casablanca and Africa

As the African Championships opened in an atmosphere of commitment and unity, the training camp organized by UWW stood out as a model to follow. It demonstrated that athletic performance can -- and should -- be paired with social and environmental consciousness.

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.