Obituary

Malta Wrestling Federation Founder Bonello Passes Away

Tuesday, September 4, 2018 - 12:38 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 4) -- Simon A. Bonello, former president and founder of the Malta Wrestling Federation, passed away on Monday. He was 85. 

Bonello introduced freestyle wrestling to Malta in 1967, which led to the creation of the federation in late 1969. A year later the federation became fully affiliated with the International Federation.

He served as an official of the Maltese Olympic Committee for 25 years, vice president for four years, and was an established referee. Bonello was one of Malta's longest serving presidents of a national association.

Bonello also worked to promote wrestling outside of his home country. His organization hosted international wrestling tournaments between 1993 and 2004 involving European small states and autonomous regions. 

During the 1970s, Bonello also served as president of the Weightlifting Federation, Bodybuilding Association and Chess Federation. He spent time working as a journalist and was vice president of the Sports Journalists Association.
 

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Jordan to host 2023 U20 World Championships

Friday, July 21, 2023 - 14:02 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (July 21) -- United World Wrestling has decided to reallocate the 2023 U20 World Championships to Amman, Jordan. The event was originally scheduled to be held in Warsaw, Poland from August 14 to 20.

Adhering to UWW's regulations, which require the organizer to ensure equal participation for all athletes, free from any discrimination based on passport or other criteria, and considering the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee, UWW was compelled to find an alternative host after Poland failed to ensure the same.

UWW held an Executive Committee meeting on Friday and Amman, Jordan was approved as the new host. The Wrestling Federation of Jordan has confirmed that it will grant visas to all countries, ensuring a smooth participation process for athletes.

While the U20 World Championships will change locations, the Executive Committee approved the Polish Wrestling Federation's request to keep the World Grappling Championships in Warsaw as initially planned.

On Thursday, a new bid to host the U20 World Championships was floated by UWW, seeking a new host and it received numerous candidacies to replace Warsaw, Poland. After carefully evaluating the received candidacies, the Executive Committee approved Amman as the new host.

UWW acknowledges the inconvenience these changes may cause the National Federations. However, by retaining the exact dates of August 14-20 for the Championships, UWW hopes that the original flight tickets can be updated without any losses. UWW is prepared to extend support on a case-by-case basis for those National Federations that have already purchased tickets and added them to Athena.

All registrations already made in Athena will remain valid for the U20 World Championships in Jordan. NFs can make all necessary adjustments to their respective squads before Friday, July 28, 2023.

UWW wants to emphasize that all the decisions made were centered around the well-being of the athletes and their opportunity to participate in wrestling events worldwide. It also appreciates the understanding and cooperation during this transition.

NFs are requested to contact UWW for further questions or assistance.