WomenLeadSports

Women Lead Sports Master Program Graduates 40

Tuesday, January 25, 2022 - 12:39 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (January 24) -- Last week, Women Lead Sports Master Program celebrated the graduation of the new generation of women leaders within the wrestling world.

World-renowned expert Gabriela Mueller spearheaded the course with over 40 participants -- 95% women – from all five continents.

The objectives of the Women Lead Sports Master Program were to empower participants to shape the future of wrestling as a global sport, increase a diverse talent pool in leadership within UWW at all levels, and to learn effective leadership strategies, techniques, and applicable tactics that work today.

“Despite the challenges related to COVID, we managed to organize another successful virtual leadership programme to advance the gender equality topic in our sport. As part of the strategic plan 2022-2026, we hope to see more women and men of the future generations in leadership positions,” said Deqa Niamkey, UWW’s Development Director.

Participants learned valuable communication tactics that’ll assist them in negotiations and persuasions through the course’s interactive breakout sessions and discussions. They also learned how to build their personal power and influence and how to use them when persuading voters and key decision-makers.

“United World Wrestling and Deqa Niamkey, with her Leadership, once again models what leaders do: empower new leaders who empower more leaders.” She continued, saying, “to the team, to every participant who is now proudly displayed as a graduate of the program and amplifying their impact under," said the award-winning trainer and coach, Mueller.

Women Lead Sports Master Program Topics:
- Personal Power and Influence
- Stakeholder management and use of skills navigating politics
- Self-awareness of personal leadership style, areas of development and strengths
- Communication and Persuasion skills
- Negotiation skills
- Networking, sponsoring, mentoring, and lobbying skills
- Self-confidence, courage and assertiveness
- Sport Electoral year and best practices
- Leading in male-dominated environments with success and authenticity.

Women Lead Sports Master Program Graduates: https://www.womenleadsports.com/sports/wrestling-freestyle?fbclid=IwAR3p2Q5KsmYVwA54ILYv5F8Mb-ww7hnBahua72Nf7KZOCCWubaF_oE6BaGg

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.