Development

Guatamala plays host to 2024 Educators' Course

By United World Wrestling Press

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.

Pakistan Wrestling Federation Hosts National Referees, Coaches Course

By United World Wrestling Press

LAHORE, Pakistan (March 27) -- The Pakistan Wrestling Federation, with the support of Olympic Solidarity and the National Olympic Committee of Pakistan, hosted a national course for referees and coaches Feb. 29 to March 1 in Lahore. 

This was the second national course by high performance coach Farid GHULAM and referee Riaz MUHAMMAD who served as instructors for the course, with the support of OS and NOC under the expertise of UWW Educators Carlos Garcia (ESP) and Trevor Hoskins (GBR).

Ghulam and Muhammed served as instructors for this course, too, which included over 30 participants, both male and female. The course combined both practical and theoretical sessions and highlighted elements such as nutrition, periodization, fitness and athlete preparation.
 


The Pakistan Wrestling Federation hosted a coaches and referees course in December as well.

"It is a good example of how UWW can trigger a movement of the development of wrestling in countries and even better, generate the flame of motivation and teamwork necessary to accomplish the long-term goal," said UWW educator Carlos GARCIA.


The Pakistan Wrestling Federation has put great efforts toward the development of wrestling in recent years and achieved strong results at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

The plan is to create a national system to grow wrestling and identify future talents with a solid coaching and refereeing structure.