MEN'S TEAM: International Tournament of Olympic Hopes & Training Camp (Slovakia)

The Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association (OAWA) is currently exploring and planning to send a targeted group of Ontario’s top male wrestlers to Košice, Slovakia, to compete in the XXVII International Tournament of Olympic Hopes, followed by the International Training Camp.

We are seeking expressions of interest from athletes and coaches as we work to finalize the travelling team, coaching staff, flights, and overall trip logistics.

The International Tournament of Olympic Hopes is a Men’s Freestyle international competition featuring invited teams from across Europe. The event is open to athletes born in 2007, 2008, and 2009, with 2010-born athletes eligible with a medical certificate and parental consent. Following the tournament, athletes will have the opportunity to participate in an international training camp in Košice alongside wrestlers from participating countries.

Athlete Eligibility: Born 2007–2009. While the tournament also permits athletes born in 2010 with a medical certificate and parental consent, preference for the OAWA travelling team will be given to athletes born in 2007–2009. Athletes born in 2010 will only be considered based on strong past competitive results and approval by the OAWA High Performance Committee.

Weight Classes: 57 kg / 125.7 lb, 61 kg / 134.5 lb, 65 kg / 143.3 lb, 70 kg / 154.3 lb, 74 kg / 163.1 lb, 79 kg / 174.2 lb, 86 kg / 189.6 lb, 92 kg / 202.8 lb, 97 kg / 213.8 lb, 125 kg / 275.6 lb

Weight Allowance: +1 kg

Tournament Format:

● 5 athletes or fewer: Nordic / round-robin format

● More than 5 athletes: A/B system

Tentative Schedule:

● Nov. 4: Depart Toronto

● Nov. 5: Arrive in Košice; team accommodation and acclimatization

● Nov. 6: Training/acclimatization; official medical examination and weigh-in

● Nov. 7: International Tournament of Olympic Hopes – Košice

● Nov. 8: Recovery 

● Nov. 9–11: International Training Camp – Košice

● Nov. 12: Tentative return to Canada

TOURNAMENT + INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CAMP

Costs and Inclusions:

Estimated Cost: $2,600 CAD per athlete

Expected to include: round-trip airfare, team accommodation, official tournament and camp accommodation, International Training Camp participation, team ground transportation, OAWA coaching staff, and meals included through the organizer’s accommodation/camp package.

The official tournament and camp accommodation package includes full board (accommodation + 3 meals daily). Athletes should plan to cover some meals on international travel days and during the initial arrival period in Košice.

Targeted High Performance/OHPSI athletes may also be eligible for additional program support.

Final athlete pricing and inclusions will be confirmed once the travelling team, airfare and final logistics are secured.

Competition Details:

● Tournament: XXVII International Tournament of Olympic Hopes in Freestyle Wrestling – U19

● Dates: November 6–7, 2026

● Location: Košice, Slovakia

● Venue: Školská telocvičňa SOŠ Ostrovského 1, Ostrovského 1, 040 01 Košice

● Official Weight Verification: November 6, 5:00–6:30 PM

● Official Weigh-In: November 7, 9:00–9:30 AM

● Competition: November 7, beginning at 10:30 AM

● Style: Men’s Freestyle

● Weight Allowance: +1 kg

● Special Prize: €100 for first place in each weight category

International Training Camp:

● Dates: November 9–11, 2026

● Location: Košice, Slovakia

The International Training Camp begins following the tournament and provides participating athletes with several days of organized international training alongside wrestlers from other countries. The official camp package includes accommodation and meals.

Selection and Applications:

OAWA intends to send male athletes whose participation aligns with the objectives of Ontario’s high-performance pathway. Priority will be given to athletes based on national and provincial competitive results, current performance level, training commitment, and alignment with OAWA’s high-performance pathway.

Final selections will be made by the OAWA High Performance Manager in consultation with each athlete’s personal coach and, where appropriate, the OAWA High Performance Committee. Submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee selection.

Coaching Staff: OAWA plans to send a minimum of two coaches, with additional coaching staff considered based on the final team size, athlete ages, and Safe Sport requirements.

Athlete Expression of Interest Form

Coach Expression of Interest Form

Additional Information:

2026 International Tournament of Olympic Hopes Official Invitation Flyer

2025 International Tournament of Olympic Hopes – Results

David Tremblay | High Performance Manager, OAWA | highperformance@oawa.ca

Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association | 2026 International Men’s Tour