Women's Illinois International Tournament & Training Camp

OAWA WOMEN’S TEAM – Illinois International Tournament & Training Camp

The Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association (OAWA) is currently seeking expressions of interest from female athletes (born 2007–2011) who are interested in taking part in an International Tournament and Training Camp in Illinois, USA, taking place April 2 - 6, 2026.

This is a competitive international opportunity for Ontario’s top female athletes. The initiative is aligned with OAWA’s High-Performance pathway and is intended to provide international competition, training, and team culture in a competitive environment.

This event is being promoted as an International Tournament, providing Ontario athletes with the opportunity to compete and train against American and international opponents. The host club has confirmed participation from international teams including Romania, Estonia, Norway, and Bulgaria, in addition to the host U.S., creating a strong international field.

Event Schedule Overview

  • Thursday, April 2: Travel to Illinois & Official Weigh-ins (19:00–20:30)

  • Friday, April 3: International Tournament

  • Saturday, April 4: International Training Camp

  • Sunday, April 5: International Training Camp (morning)

  • Sunday, April 5 (afternoon): Team Visit to Chicago, including Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), downtown walk & team experience

  •  Monday, April 6: Return travel to Ontario

Note:  Transportation is by ground.  Departure times and Ontario pickup locations will be finalized based on participating coaches and approved drivers.


Age Group & Weight Categories

Women’s Age Group: Athletes born 2007 – 2011

Weight Categories: 43-49-57-65-73kg

Athletes must be registered OAWA members in good standing.

Cost: $650 CAD


Selection Criteria & Competitive Standards

OAWA will select a limited number of female athletes who demonstrate:

  • Strong competitive results

  • Readiness to compete internationally

  • Alignment with OAWA and Wrestling Canada Lutte (WCL) High-Performance LTAD

Final selections will be made by the Ontario High Performance Manager in consultation with each athlete’s personal coach. Coach approval is required prior to final confirmation and deposit submission.


Estimated Athlete Cost: $650 CAD per athlete

What the Athlete Fee Covers:

  • Transportation

  • Hotel accommodations (April 2,3,4,5)

  • Tournament registration

  • Training camp registration

  • Daily breakfast (hotel included)

  • Club-provided lunch at tournament and camp

Not Included:

  • Dinners

  • Personal snacks

  • Spending money during Chicago visit

A non-refundable deposit will be required once athletes are selected and travel logistics are confirmed.


Coaching & Oversight

OAWA will ensure appropriate female and High-Performance aligned coaching supervision throughout the trip. Coaches interested in being considered should indicate their availability when athlete applications are submitted.

Application Forms

Athlete Application Form: [Team Ontario Athlete – Illinois]

Coach Expression of Interest Form: [Team Ontario Coach – Illinois]

All participants must provide proof of medical insurance (eg. Blue Cross or similar) either through a plan they are enrolled in or have purchased for the trip.


Questions?

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

Chris Stefopulos
OAWA Program Coordinator
ohpwrestling@gmail.com

We look forward to continuing the growth of Ontario Women’s wrestling through meaningful international exposure & competitive readiness.