Development

Guatamala 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

Burundi NOC and Wrestling Federation Organize Technical Course and First-Ever National Competition

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 - 13:23 By Tim Foley

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (January 12) – The Burundi Olympic Committee with the support of Olympic Solidarity and in collaboration of the Burundi Wrestling Federation hosted a Level I technical course for coaches January 7-12 in in Bujumbura.

The course was conducted by two-time Olympic silver medalist and United World Wrestling (UWW) expert Juan Luis MARÉN (CUB) and gathered 28 participants including 7 women. The course also welcomed three coaches, five athletes and seven sports teachers. 

The UWW Development Department recently prioritized a series of initiatives which support less developed wrestling nations. To ensure that lessons were well-received UWW also helped Burundi host a national competition directly following the course. The competition included 25 cadet and junior level girls and 38 cadet and junior level boys. 

A budget of $3,000 was allocated to organize the event, with positive feedback immediately offered by the Burundi Olympic Committee.  

In order to encourage grassroot development of smaller national federations, UWW is encouraging countries to organize at least one competition per year, and when possible that will be supported and assisted by an Olympic Solidarity Technical Course for Coaches. 

“The aim is to help them understand all the aspects linked to organizing a competition. In Burundi it allowed coaches to understand the needs and the process of the organization of an event,” said Ms. Deqa Niamkey, UWW Development Director. 

“These competitions will allow our federations to further develop wrestling and attract the future generations to the sport. Also, with the presence of a UWW expert educator I trust these events will contribute tremendously to the growth of wrestling.”