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Lalovic attends 100th anniversary of Bulgarian Olympic Committee

Saturday, May 20, 2023 - 10:57 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 20) -- United World Wrestling President and International Olympic Committee Executive Board Member Nenad LALOVIC visited Sofia on May 17-18 on the occasion of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee.

Lalovic met IOC President Thomas BACH during the celebration which also saw the presence of European Olympic Committee President Spyros CAPRALOS and EOC Secretary General Raffaele PANGNOZZI.

Nenad LALOVICNenad LALOVIC, right, with IOC President Thomas BACH in Sofia.

"I want to congratulate the Bulgarian Olympic Committee on its 100th anniversary," Lalovic said. "Bulgaria has a rich tradition in the Olympic program. Tonight was a night to celebrate the success of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee, the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation and the 71 wrestlers who brought their nation pride by winning a medal at the Olympic Games.

"In 1956, Nikola STANTCHEV (BUL) became Bulgaria’s first-ever Olympic medalist with his gold at the Melbourne Olympic Games. Since that gold 67 years ago, and with the belief of the BOK, Bulgarian athletes have become a staple on the Olympic podium, winning 70 medals.

"Bulgaria should continue to express the highest confidence in their Olympic Committee and be proud of their Olympians and national heroes."

During his stay in Sofia, Lalovic had an official meeting with the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen RADEV and attended the official ceremony to commemorate the NOC Centenary.

Nenad LALOVICNenad LALOVIC was presented the Commemorative medal of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee.

During the ceremony, he was presented with The Commemorative medal of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee by the NOC President Stefka KOSTADINOVA.

Lalovic, who is Doctor Honoris Causa of the National Sports Academy, Sofia visited the newly created Olympic Educational and Study Center at the academy and was awarded the Honorary Badge with Ribbon by the Rector of the Academy.

The UWW President attended the Opening of a Commemorative Photo Exhibition and the Ceremony of validation of a postage stamp to mark the celebration.

#development

U17 Pan-Ams More Than Medals Camp Sees Highest-Ever Participation

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - 09:37 By United World Wrestling Press

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PANAMA CITY, Panama (April 14) -- United World Wrestling’s More Than Medals program reached a new milestone as its 10th edition in Panama recorded its highest participation to date, bringing together 120 athletes from 17 countries across the Americas.

Held from April 6 to 11 in Panama City, the six-day camp reflected the steady growth of the program, both in scale and impact, reinforcing its role as one of UWW’s leading development initiatives in the region.

Since its inception, More Than Medals has been designed to go beyond competition, and the 2026 edition continued that vision by combining high-performance training with education and cultural exchange. The record participation in this milestone edition highlighted the increasing relevance of the program.

On the mat, athletes trained under the guidance of experienced regional coaches, focusing on technical execution, tactical awareness and physical conditioning. Sessions were structured to accommodate different levels, ensuring a productive environment for both emerging and advanced wrestlers.

Off the mat, the educational component remained central to the program. Workshops on anti-doping and sports psychology provided athletes with essential tools to manage performance, decision-making and well-being in high-level environments.

The program also emphasized connection and exchange among participants. Cultural activities, including visits to local natural sites and the Panama Canal, offered opportunities for athletes to interact outside of training, strengthening relationships across national boundaries.