#WorldRefugeeDay

World Refugee Day 2021

Sunday, June 20, 2021 - 12:49 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (June 20) — Today, in cooperation with UNHCR and the International Olympic Committee, United World Wrestling stands together with refugees across the world in raising awareness for those who continue to preserve while searching for a brighter future -- including wrestling’s own Aker AL-OBAIDI.

Last week, Al-Obaidi was named to the IOC Refugee Team for the Tokyo Olympic Games. The Iraqi-refugee currently resides and wrestles in Austria and will compete in his first Olympic Games this August. "This is one of the most beautiful moments in my life, said Al-Obaidi. "I am so happy that this dream has come true. I have imagined this situation so many times. Now I will do everything to be well prepared in Tokyo!“

After the announcement, United World Wrestling’s President, Mr. Nenad LALOVIC said, “We are proud of Aker, He has worked hard to achieve his goals on and off the mat. We are in full support of his career and share in his excitement for competing in Tokyo this summer.”

To learn more about World Refugee Day, visit: https://www.unhcr.org/world-refugee-day.html
 

 

#UnitedWorldWrestling

UWW and European University Sports Association Sign MoU

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 09:50 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

POREC, Croatia (June 2) -- United World Wrestling (UWW) and The European University Sports Association (EUSA) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations in Porec, Croatia on May 30.

The MoU was officially signed by the two presidents: UWW President Nenad LALOVIC and EUSA President Haris PAVLETIC at an official signing ceremony. The MoU marks a commitment by EUSA and UWW to cooperate to further university sport, specifically in wrestling across Europe, and to explore the possibilities of working closer together, including on the potential of EUSA Wrestling events in the future.

Both presidents expressed their pleasure to formalise the cooperation, and excitement for the future of wrestling in European university sport.

The MoU was signed on the occasion of the “Unisport HR Finals”, the finals of the Croatian University Sport competitions, and a range of UWW Wrestling events, including the Beach Wrestling World Series, which all took place in the Croatian city.

“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with United World Wrestling marks an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between international sport federations and the university sport movement," EUSA President Pavletic said. "We are particularly pleased to welcome wrestling into the EUSA Combat Sport Championships starting from 2027 in La Nucia, Spain, creating new opportunities for student-athletes to compete, develop, and promote the values of excellence, respect, and fair play."

The EUSA delegation was additionally represented by Vice President Aitor Canibe SANCHEZ, Secretary General / CEO  Matjaz PECOVNIK, and Director of Sports Events Liam SMITH.

About United World Wrestling:
United World Wrestling is the international governing body for the sport of wrestling, recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Headquartered in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland, UWW oversees Olympic wrestling disciplines, including Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Women’s Wrestling, as well as associated styles such as Grappling, Pankration, Belt Wrestling, and Beach Wrestling. UWW works with national federations worldwide to promote, regulate, and develop the sport at all levels.

About EUSA:
EUSA organises European Universities Games and European Universities Championships across 25 sports, attracting more than 6,000 participants from over 500 universities each year. (eusa.eu)