Development

Palau Showing Support for Peace-Through-Sport Movement with White Cards

By United World Wrestling Press

Palau has been actively supporting the peace-through-sport movement by displaying a white card as part of their digital campaign to show their commitment to peace and sports efforts worldwide. 

The annual campaign recognizes the importance of the peace-through-sport movement, capturing the attention of millions of people each year through social networks in the lead up to International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP). As part of the White Card campaign, Olympians and members of the Olympic family are invited to hold up a symbolic white card and share a photo of themselves doing so on social media.

The first display of the white card was in Peleliu State during the outreach program and sports events that began on April 7 and concluded on April 9 in commemoration of Palau National Olympic Day and the third anniversary of the Emperor and Empress of Japan historic visit to Palau. Mats were provided by United World Wrestling.

On April 9, the first beach wrestling competition took place in Peleliu. After the competition, wrestlers displayed the white card as part of their Olympic support. 

The symbolic white card was displayed by students at Ngarchelong Elementary, Ngeremlengui Elementary and Ngaraard Elementary after taking part in the wrestling outreach PE program. 

According to John Tarkong Jr., Olympian and President of the Palau Olympians & Athletes Commission (POAC), "This is our way of showing the world that Palau is committed on promoting peace and sport as a means of change in Palau and the world when conducting our activities and events. This effort is also in line with the Presidential Proclamation designating 2018 as the Year of Good Health."

Obituary, #UnitedWorldWrestling

Former UWW Sec Gen Dusson passes away

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 29) -- Former United World Wrestling General Secretary and Hall of Fame member Michel DUSSON passed away Thursday aged 90 years.

Dusson served wrestling for close to 65 years in different positions including being a referee, President of Federation Francaise de Lutte and Secretary General of UWW from 1982 to 2022.

UWW President expressed his condolences on the demise of Dusson and thanked him for his service to wrestling.

"Dusson was a true steward of the sport of wrestling," Lalovic said. "He dedicated his life to it and served across many eras. We are forever indebted to his unwavering commitment and lifelong dedication to wrestling."

Before being appointed the Secretary General in 1982, Dusson was the Bureau member of UWW (then FILA) from 1980. He began his referee career in 1959 and remained one till 1980, officiating the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.

He also served as the member of the French Olympic Committee for 12 years besides being appointed as the CAS Arbitrator from 1984 to 1992.

While he made numerous contribution to grow and improve wrestling over the years, Dusson played a major role in bringing Women's Wrestling to the Olympic program.

In 2018, he was inducted into the UWW Hall of Fame at a ceremony on the eve of the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

UWW expresses its condolences to the Dusson family.