Development

Development Department Revamps Academy for Educators and National Federations

Thursday, February 18, 2021 - 04:33 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 18) -- United World Wrestling has revamped its online Academy to help prepare its worldwide community with at-home courses for educators and a new, interactive platform for national federations.  

 Coaches and educators looking to attend a Level I and II Coaches Course will now be able to fulfill their classroom practicum prior to signing up for on-the-mat sessions. The splitting of the course will allow for more concentration and preparation for the educators and the attendees. 

 “This system is a first of its kind for wrestling,” said UWW Development Director Deqa NIAMKEY. “We saw an opportunity during this pandemic to expand our offering and make it more accessible to more educators, coaches and referees. Our hope is that we can have this space for years to come.” 

National federations were also granted their own pages with the ability to update their schedule and locations of training camps and UWW courses. Through direct control the national federations are better suited to be responsive to the individual needs of their internal stakeholders. The pages are also promotional, allowing for several photos to be shared by the national federation, adding further promotion and transparency for each course and event. 

 "Spain is thrilled to be able to count on "UWW Academy" to help our athletes, coaches and referees get more training and unified information on the Olympic Wrestling." said Francisco Javier IGLESIAS SERNA, President of Wrestling Federation of Spain. "This will be a good tool to keep up with international rules and new trends in training.” 

 The academy is still growing, with special focus on the delivery of high-level membership services, step-by-step guidance, and other useful administrative tools. Additional NF workshop dates will be sent out following the continental qualifiers in March and April.

Wrestling Community Celebrates Successful 'Women in Wrestling Global Forum'

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 - 19:32 By United World Wrestling Press

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ISTANBUL (November 29) -- Fresh from completing a full week of leadership activities at the Women in Wrestling Global Forum, several key members of the wrestling community offered their feedback forum dedicated to the empowerment of women in the sport to balance gender and diversity for the future. 

There were 50 female participants from 40 nations in attendance at the four-day forum in Istanbul.

Following the close of the forum, United World Wrestling president and IOC Executive Board member Nenad LALOVIC expressed his satisfaction with the event and its objectives.

United World Wrestling president and IOC Executive Board member Nenad Lalovic expressed his satisfaction with the event and its objectives (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

"We know the importance of staying on top of Agenda 2020 and we are committed to propelling wrestling in the right direction. More diversity, more opportunities will contribute to the greater growth of our sport worldwide. This forum has been a key factor in our plans for the future of women in the sport," said Lalovic.

Prof. Dr. Ibrahim CICIOGLU (TUR), Member of the Refereeing Commission, conveyed similar satisfaction with the program and its ability to provide real opportunities to women around the world. 

"It is the first time that I've worked with such a large group of women from the UWW family. The participants are very well aware of the challenges they encounter and the opportunities that are required to grow our sport in their countries. This program focuses on leadership and communication development skills and should be applied to all of our education programs -- especially in the refereeing."

Sally Roberts (USA), Founder of "Wrestle Like a Girl," spoke at the Women in Wrestling Global Forum (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

Sally ROBERTS (USA), Founder of "Wrestle Like a Girl," revealed, "This was one of the most impactful forums that I've ever been to. When I was watching the athletes, they were sure to stand in their space so much more boldly and proudly. And when I was sitting with the athletes during lunch and dinner, they said: ‘I've never felt so supportive by my federation, and I've never felt them want me to be so strong.’"

When asked about her experience at the second Women in Wrestling Global Forum, Anara KAPPASSOVA (KAZ) and administrator at her national federation highlighted the knowledge she acquired on site 

"I received great educational tools and exchanges with the participants coming from all over the world. These four days were an eye-opener for me, to be more confident while improving my leadership skills so I can improve the work within my national federation to increase women's involvement in all areas."
 
Lise LEGRAND (FRA), Vice President of FFLA and Olympian, joyfully added, "I am more confident and stronger after these four days. I met passionate women and men here in Istanbul that want to build tomorrow's wrestling, which integrates diversity, culture, respect, and mutual collaboration. 

Daniel Igali (NGR) left the forum satisfied with the experience (Photo/Kadir Caliskan)

Olympic champion and Nigerian Wrestling Federation president Daniel IGALI (NGR) said he left the forum extremely satisfied. 

"I had an amazing four days of learning incredible life professional life skills, communication, and motivational stories. I am convinced participants are leaving here better prepared to be effective leaders."
 
UWW Development Department will announce the dates and location for the III Forum in December 2020. For more information on the development programs, please consult www.unitedworldwrestling.org/development