Botswana, Ghana Pro- wrestling Federations join AIWF world body
Photo: Matt Classic, the Executive Director of AIWF with Olusesan Olukoya, The President of AIWF Africa in NC, USA
Botswana and Ghana Pro- Wrestling Federations have joined
The Allied Independent Wrestling Federations (AIWF), a global professional wrestling organization based in the United States.
Founded in 1992, it serves as a network and sanctioning body for independent wrestling promotions around the world just like how FIFA governs football clubs, AIWF oversees global professional wrestling.
The AIWF’s mission is to: unite independent wrestling federations under one international alliance, Sanction global championship titles (AIWF World, AIWF Tag Team, AIWF Women’s, etc.), facilitate cross-promotional matches, training, and exchange programs among member federations,
The body also give regional wrestling promotions global recognition and exposure and also promote the values of professionalism, sportsmanship, and integrity in professional wrestling around the world.
The AIWF has a formal affiliation with many professional wrestling organizations around the world with eight African pro wrestling federations as members namely; Tunisia, South Africa, Cameroon, Togo, Congo DRC, Zimbabwe, Benin Republic, Nigeria and with the Southern African nation of Botswana and their West African counterparts, Ghana joining the league, the African membership has grown to tenwhike globally it boasts of fifty four member nations.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Olusesan Olukoya in his capacity as the President of AIWF Africa has been mandated from the AIWF Secretariat in North Carolina, USA to visit the newly joined African nations of Botswana and Ghana and see how the wrestlers should be trained to world standard and also discuss with their federation’s management on how a timely pro wrestling championship can hold in the coming year.
Under Olukoya’s leadership, AIWF Africa serves as the continental branch of the global AIWF network.
It represents all African member federations, working to develop and unify wrestling organizations across the continent.
Key Objectives of AIWF Africa are to integrate African wrestling promotions into the global AIWF system, sanction continental and regional championships recognized internationally, provide African wrestlers with access to training, media exposure, and overseas bookings, promote cross-continental cooperation, including partnerships with Europe and North America.
Other functions it performs is to develop African wrestling talents through certified programs, workshops, and international mentorship globally.
Speaking on their admission into the world body, Dr. Moagi Sharp, the President and founder of Botswana Pro Wrestling Federation described it as a great honour to the country
“It is indeed a great honour for Botswana to be part of the AIWF family worldwide and we are at an advanced stage to kick-start our pro wrestling shows next year April with the wrestling ring already purchased.
“We will take professional wrestling in Botswana and at continental level to greater heights in terms of growth”, stated Dr. Sharp who also doubles as the President of PWA.
According to Christiana Naa Merley Ashley, who is currently overseeing the growth and development of professional wrestling in Ghana, “it is Big news for Ghana Pro Wrestling Federation currently making waves to thrive and soar higher in the sport.
“Joining the league of AIWF nations now will definitely boost Ghana’s presence in the African and world pro wrestling scenes, and bring exciting matches and opportunities to the table.
“We are indeed excited to be part of AIWF global family” Christiana concluded.
