EL JADIDA, Morocco (March 3) -- FILA President Nenad Lalvovic joined with an international delegation of wrestling officials last week in El Jadida to celebrate the first annual African Wrestling Week. Presidents of more than 25 national wrestling federations joined representatives from Europe, Asia and America in hailing Africa’s continued improvement and commitment to the sport of wrestling.

The delegation, which included several FILA Bureau members, traveled to one of the African Development Center for Associated Wrestling Styles, where they watched training sessions held for referees and coaches in attendance.

In addition to tracking the progress of the Development Center, speeches by international and national officials stressed the significance of the efforts made by the Moroccan government to promote sport and support the overall development of athletes at home and abroad.

Ms. Nawal El Moutawakel, vice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and former Minister of Youth and Sports was joined by Mohammed Ouzzine, Morocco’s current Minister of Youth and Sports in delivering speeches on the importance of developing Olympic wrestling across the continent.

Ms. El Moutawakil also promoted the recent success’ of Moroccan champions and expressed her deep appreciation for the work and commitment of Mr. Fouad Meskout, President of the African Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (CALA) showed during the sport’s successful fight to defend its Olympic status.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Lalovic presented honorary plaques to Ms. El Moutawakel, Mr. Ouzzine, and the Governor of the province of El Jadida and thanked them for their continued efforts to promote the sport of wrestling on the African continent.

CALA also honored Ms. El Moutawakel for her support of Olympic wrestling, and her historic gold medal performance at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Ms. El Moutawakel became the first Muslim woman born on the African continent to become an Olympic champion when she took top prize during the inaugural running of the 400 meter hurdles.

The delegation also sent a letter of acknowledgement to His Majesty King Mohammed VI in recognition of his actions and visions in developing sport programs on the African continent.