ACODEPA Elections

Lee Named ACODEPA President

By United World Wrestling Press

LIMA, Peru (July 26) --- Mr. Francisco Eduardo LEE LOPEZ (GUA), United World Wrestling's Pan American Confederation of Wrestling President, was named President of the Annual Congress of the PANAMERICAN SPORTS CONFEDERATIONS ASSOCIATION (ACODEPA). Lee 

Lee, who'll hold the title of ACODEPA President until 2023, received 22 votes, while his opponenet José Manuel PELAEZ (CUB) received 16 votes. 

According to ACODEPA.org, "The Association of Pan American Sports Confederations, which will be named ACODEPA, is an international organization recognized by the Pan American Sports Organization PASO. ACODEPA is constituted by the Pan American Sports Confederations or Continental Sports Organizations recognized by their respective International Federation which must also have the recognition of the International Olympic Committee. 

Obituary

U.S. Greco-Roman star Alan Vera passes away

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 24) -- United States Greco-Roman wrestler and Pan-Am champion Alan VERA (USA) passed away Monday. Vera suffered a sudden cardiac arrest earlier this year and had been hospitalized since then in recovery from his serious health challenges.

Vera was born in Cuba and won a bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games and a gold medal at the 2016 Pan American Championships, while competing for Cuba. He immigrated to the United States and lived in Florida for a number of years. He continued to train and compete in Greco-Roman and various international events for a few years.

Vera qualified the U.S. for the Paris Olympics in 97kg at the 2024 Pan-American Olympic Qualification Tournament in Acapulco, Mexico.

Very saddened to hear about Alan Vera’s passing. In my limited time around him he was always willing to help on the mat, and offer a laugh at a terrible joke I made

— Kyle Dake (@kyledake444) September 24, 2024

Domestically, Vera claimed his first U.S. national title in 2020, and won four national titles during his career.

Vera was married to Elena PIROZKHOVA (USA), a two-time Olympian and former world champion.

United World Wrestling mourns the death of Vera and stands with the Vera family.