Anti-Doping

Wrestling to Join with Newly Formed International Testing Agency Through Tokyo 2020

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 18) – United World Wrestling’s bureau has agreed to sign with the International Testing Agency (ITA) to oversee and manage the sport’s anti-doping program.  Wrestling joins a growing list of International Federations who’ve signed with ITA in the past few months.

ITA will be in charge of wrestling’s entire anti-doping program, which includes in-competition and out-of-competition testing, results management including decision for positive tests, therapeutic use exemptions, and athlete education. United World Wrestling will remain responsible for being compliant to the WADA code.

“We are excited to join with the ITA to help ensure that our athletes have access to proper information about anti-doping policies and are ensured of clean competition,” said United World Wrestling president and IOC Executive board member Nenad Lalovic. “We believe the ITA will provide a good solution for wrestling by adding a number of excellent services to the organization.”

The ITA, which will take over all testing on January 1, 2018, recently old Inside the Games their mission was to restore confidence in the anti-doping system.

"We look forward to providing the global sport community and athletes with our expertise in clean sport," said the Foundation Board's President Valérie Fourneyron, the former French Sports Minister. "Our primary focus will be to regain trust by acting upon doping issues evenly across all sports worldwide."

#development

Pat Shaw Memorial - Regional Education Development Programme wraps up in Guatemala

By United World Wrestling Press

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala (June 12)---The 2024 UWW Pat Shaw Memorial - Regional Education Development Programme (REDP) recently concluded in Guatemala City, marking another milestone in the annual celebration of wrestling excellence.

From May 30 to June 6, the "Center for High-Performance and Development of America" (CARDA) in Guatemala City buzzed with energy as athletes, coaches, and referees gathered for an intensive training camp and educational courses. Under the expert guidance of Iranian coach Reza AZIMI, participants from Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, United States they have honed their skills on four specially prepared mats.

Parallel courses for coaches and referees were a key highlight, underscoring the event's commitment to professional development. The training camp and coaches' course were led by Professor Reza AZIMI, alongside Venezuelan Héctor CAMACHO, while the referees' course was conducted by Puerto Rican international IS category referee Abraham GALVA. These sessions provided comprehensive learning and growth opportunities for all attendees.

GUAAbraham GALVA (PUR) walks referees through their pre-competition meeting at the Pat Shaw Memorial. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

The week was characterized by an atmosphere of enthusiasm and collaboration, culminating in the Technical Congress on June 6. Esteemed attendees included UWWA President Francisco Eduardo LEE LÓPEZ, UWW Development Officer Yuri MAIER, the Executive Committee of the Guatemalan Wrestling Federation, and delegates and coaches from 20 nations.

The climax of the event, the XXXIII "PAT SHAW" Cup, unfolded on June 7th and 8th. With 333 athletes, 44 coaches, 16 delegates, and 25 referees participating, the tournament featured 526 thrilling matches.

This year's tournament was a testament to dedication and passion, with every athlete striving for excellence and glory. The event met all UWW requirements for official competitions, encompassing technological, medical, and sporting standards.

As we bask in the success of the 2024 UWW Pat Shaw Memorial - Regional Education Development Programme (REDP), we eagerly look forward to the next edition, filled with anticipation and confidence that it will further the growth and promotion of wrestling in our region.

United World Wrestling strongly believes that this is the way forward for the development of our sport through programs such as this that bring together athletes, referees, and coaches in an environment that is enriching from an educational and competitive experience, allowing many new participants access to an international event.