The Burundi Olympic Committee hosted a wrestling coaching course and national competition in Bujumbura ©UWW

Burundi's Olympic Committee hosted a wrestling coaching course and national competition in collaboration with the Burundi Wrestling Federation and with support from Olympic Solidarity.

The level one technical coaching course in Bujumbura was attended by 28 participants. 

Cuba's Juan Luis Marén, an Olympic silver medallist at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, led the course.

The course was followed by a national tournament, which saw 25 cadet and junior level girls and 38 cadet and junior level boys compete. 

United World Wrestling (UWW) is aiming to develop grassroots wrestling in smaller National Federations and has encouraged countries, such as Burundi, to organise at least one competition every year, which can be supported by Olympic Solidarity.  

The level one technical coaching course was attended by 28 participants ©UWW
The level one technical coaching course was attended by 28 participants ©UWW

A budget of $3,000 (£2,300/€2,700) was allocated to the course and tournament.

"The aim is to help them understand all the aspects linked to organizing a competition," Deqa Niamkey, development director of UWW, said. 

"In Burundi it allowed coaches to understand the needs and the process of the organization of an event.

"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."