Development

2018 Creative Sports Award to Boost UWW’s Development Projects

Thursday, January 10, 2019 - 00:25 By United World Wrestling Press

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DUBAI (January 9) -- During a dedication ceremony held in Dubai, United World Wrestling (UWW) received the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award in the category of the best initiative of the Summer Olympic International Federations (IFs).

The 2018 edition sought to recognize the initiatives that empower youth in sports -- the award comes with a USD $250,000 prize for use in development activities.

UWW President Nenad Lalovic accepted the award on behalf of his organization, which was recognized for its innovative project “More than Medals”, the first cornerstone of the IF’s new wrestling development plan. Five camps conducted between February and July last year targeted more than 200 young elite athletes and combined high-quality training with education on important topics such as anti-doping, nutrition, training plan, and the IOC’s Athlete Career Programme. The educational part also included the athletes’ entourage. Organized on all continents, the camps also served to prepare wrestlers to qualify for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October 2018.

While attending the ceremony, ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said, “ASOIF is very thankful to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his recognition of outstanding activities of sports federations in such a generous way for the sixth consecutive year. Sports development and youth promotion go hand in hand and they are the most important fields for IFs to invest in. UWW’s project is exemplary in integrating essential educational elements into training for young athletes and UWW fully deserves this prestigious award.”

 Lalovic added, “On behalf of the wrestling family worldwide, UWW is highly honored to receive this award for the development programme ‘More than Medals 2018’ dedicated to the support and empowerment of the future generations. We reiterate our appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his great initiative to support sports development.”

The application phase for the 2019 H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Creative Sports Award is scheduled to open in April 2019.

Development

Women's Coaches and Referees Course held in Rionegro, Colombia

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

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RIONEGRO, Colombia (April 22) -- From April 16 to 18, 2025, Rionegro, Antioquia in Colombia, hosted an unprecedented international course exclusively for Spanish-speaking female coaches and referees. Organized by United World Wrestling (UWW) with support from Olympic Solidarity, the event took place at the beautiful Recinto Quirama, gathering 33 participants from 15 Latin American countries.

The course was inaugurated by Deqa Niamkey, UWW Development Director, Yuri Maier, UWW Sport and Development Officer, and Mrs. Doña Fanny, member of the UWW Americas Executive Committee. The educational sessions were led by Rafael Abraham Galva Lebrón (Puerto Rico), an Olympic referee and member of the UWW Referee Commission known for his passionate and dynamic teaching style, and Raúl Trujillo Díaz (Cuba), one of the most respected Greco-Roman wrestling coaches globally, recognized for guiding the legendary Olympic champion Mijaín López.

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

Participants shared powerful reflections about the course:

Nes Marie Rodríguez Tirado (PUR) remarked, "This course was a significant opportunity to continue learning and to give back to the sport that has given me so much. 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."

From Mexico, Keliyojana Yesenia Vázquez Tovar expressed, "It reminded me of the importance of never giving up, not only as a coach but also as a woman. I'm returning home with new tools to improve my work and appreciate myself more in every aspect."

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

This 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.