Development

Guatemala plays host to 2024 Educators' Course

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 14:47 By United World Wrestling Press

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PETEN, Guatemala (November 20) — Nestled in the depths of the ancient Mayan Empire, Peten, Guatemala, served as the 2024 Educators' Course host city. This event brought together 11 educators, including three referees and eight coaches, all hailing from Latin America. The course was held on November 11–12 to equip participants with tools to enhance their professional education practice.

Throughout the course, participants engaged in various activities designed to deepen their understanding of adult learning principles, using formative assessments, effective feedback strategies, and integrating new technologies as valuable educational tools. Beyond listening to lectures, educators actively participated in practical micro-leadership activities, teaching their peers topics from the UWW education program.

Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA) delivered the training, with support from Yuri MAIER (ARG) and the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling.

As an added cultural experience, the educators visited the Tikal National Park, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of the ancient Mayan civilization. They also stayed at a hotel nestled in the heart of the Central American jungle, fostering team dynamics and strengthening bonds among the participants. This camaraderie lays a strong foundation for collaboration during future courses they will deliver.

Notably, of the 11 participants, seven had prior experience as educators. The new additions to the program showcased impressive aptitude and readiness to embrace this new challenge, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.

Mr. Francisco LEE LOPEZ and his team coordinated the course and ensured its success. Mr. LEE also addressed the participants, extending a warm welcome, expressing gratitude, and commending their dedication to advancing the development of wrestling in the region.

This enriching experience elevated the educators’ professional capacities and underscored their vital role in shaping the future of wrestling education in Latin America.

Development

Wrestling with Excellence: Armenia Upskills Coaches and Referees

Friday, April 18, 2025 - 11:59 By United World Wrestling Press

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YEREVAN, Armenia (April 18) – Looking for ways to improve their coaches and referees is very important to the Armenia Wrestling Federation. As a result, they organized a coaching and referee course around their national championships. The course was done in conjunction with Olympic Solidarity and United World Wrestling. The courses were organized between March 22-31 in Yerevan at the Olympic Centre. This was the second time that the Armenian Wrestling Federation organized education courses. Previously, they had organized a Level 1 Coaching Course and the Introduction to Referee Course.

The referee course was organized before their National Championship and started on March 22.  This course was the Level 2 – Referee Foundations Course and was led by Mr. Alexey BAZULIN (RUS). The first three days of the course focused on the theoretical content and included some practice on the mat.  This was held before the start of the championships. The 19 referee participants spent three days practicing their skills in actual competition.  “The seminar participants worked as one team, helping each other and were involved in the work process, analyzing and applying the knowledge gained,” said Mr. Bazulin. Following the competition, the referees and coaches worked together in a joint session led by both UWW Educators.

The Level 2 coaching course started on March 27, following the competition, and was led by Mr. Sergei KOVALENKO (RUS). The course had 14 participants, who covered numerous practice planning concepts in both theoretical and practical sessions. The seminar participants expressed the opinion that such seminars should be held regularly. This provides an opportunity to consolidate previously acquired knowledge, learn something new, share experiences, and analyze advanced teaching methods and other activities.