Quarterly update #7

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STRATEGY 2022-2026

UPDATE FOR NATIONAL

FEDERATIONS

OCTOBER 6, 2023

UNITY REMAINS OUR

BIGGEST

STRENGTH

September 2023 marked an important milestone for our entire wrestling community and so I want to take a moment here to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve undertaken together over the past decade.

A decade ago, we faced the unthinkable: wrestling was removed from the Olympic program. It too a united effort to ‘Save Olympic Wrestling’. In September 2013, in Buenos Aires, we witnessed the resiliency of our sport as the IOC welcomed us back to the Olympic Games with a resounding vote of confidence, proving just how strong we are as a global community when we work together.

Since our reinstatement we have seen remarkable progress. Women’s Wrestling has flourished, and we’ve expanded our reach, globalised our sport and engaged with younger fans around the world. Today, wrestling stands stronger as ever.

The achievements made over the last decade have also been a united effort and our United World Wrestling strategy continues to act as a guiding light for us all. As we continue our journey with the Strategy 2022-2026, let’s continue to build on our successes, share our learnings and stay united in our efforts.

Thank you all for your passion, your dedication and your love for wrestling

Nenad Lalovic

United World Wrestling President

1. ELEVATE & INSPIRE

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Olympic Wrestling to inspire youth

The Olympic Games are a crucial event for wrestling to reach new audiences around the world – especially youth. With Paris set to host the 2024 Olympic Games, United World Wrestling’s strategic partnership with the French Wrestling Federation (FFL) and France’s National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP) represents a significant milestone in the wrestling’s global development. Established last year, the collaboration aims to propel wrestling in France, support Francophone athletes, and provide world-class training facilities to wrestlers worldwide.

INSEP’s exceptional training programs and ideal Olympic Games preparation environment have become a focal point for wrestlers and coaches from around the world. Since the beginning of the year, over 66 wrestlers and 17 coaches from 16 countries have trained in Paris. These initiatives hold immense significance for the wrestling community and are an important platform in ensuring that the competition in Paris will be exciting to watch and follow – inspiring the next generation of wrestlers.

2. ENHANCE & EMPOWER

WOMEN'S WRESTLING

WISH program cohort 4 wraps up in London

The WISH Program is designed to equip women coaches, who have the potential and ambition, to succeed in gaining roles at elite coaching levels within their sports. The program is specifically designed to help coaches develop their sport-specific skills, leaderships skills and behaviours, and build confidence.

United World Wrestling is participating along with many other IF’s and is being support by Olympic Solidarity, University of Hertfordshire, and Females Achieving Brilliance (FAB). United World Wrestling has had two coaches in the most recent cohorts: Teresa MENDEZ (ESP) and member of UWW Gender Equality Commission along with W.I.Lalanthi Disanayaka (SRI) participated in the 4th cohort. They comment on their experience in the article below.

3. SUPPORT & CONNECT

ASSOCIATED STYLES

SUPPORTING BEACH WRESTLING WORLDWIDE

United World Wrestling provided assistance to participating countries for the first two Beach Wrestling World Series events this year. First stop was in Argentina in May where there was a remarkable turnout with 31 countries and 126 athletes participating. Assistance was given to 14 Pan-American countries from UWW to support their accommodation. The second series took place in Singapore in June, where we focused on promoting equal participation between men and women and were able to assist 17 countries.

All in all, Beach Wrestling showcased its global reach, and we were pleased to be able to support the participants and organisers. Don’t miss the Final of the Beach Wrestling World Series taking place 14-15 October, 2023, in Sarigerme, Turkey.

4. REVAMP & REINFORCE

IMAGE OF WRESTLING

WRESTLING SHINES AT SUCCESSFUL WORKSHOP

The resounding success of the third edition of the United World Wrestling’s Event Organization Workshop, held recently in Istanbul, Turkey, underscores the strength and allure of wrestling. This international gathering attracted participants from 13 countries, a testament to the global appeal of the sport. The workshop’s focus on event organization, including planning tools, bidding processes, and functional areas, drew insights from a diverse group of experts.

The positive feedback from participants highlights the workshop’s significance and the wrestling community’s enthusiasm for future editions. This thriving interest from hosts worldwide highlights the strong image and attractiveness of wrestling – making its events compelling to host.

5. EMBRACE & FOSTER

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

NEW PLATFORM FOR WRESTLING FANS LAUNCHED

The digital transformation journey of United World Wrestling continues with the recent launch of UWW+, a new subscription-based video platform built for wrestling fans around the world. Subscribers get access to video on demand, the biggest wrestling events of the season, captivating docuseries, exclusive off-the-mat content and much more.

The aim is to bring wrestling closer to its fans and audiences and provide a unique fan experience no matter where in the world someone wants to watch.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?

strategy@uww.org

Strategic Plan 2022-2026