It was about time that FILA our International Governing Body of the Sport of Wrestling to finally have own building. Last Friday, June 15, Fila had the official opening inauguration ceremony on which the high powered wrestling society gathered. The ceremony was opened by the FILA president Raphael Matinetti and the IOC President Jacques Rogue. At the event the USAWrestling and USOC presented a special gift for the new Fila building – a 40” plaque with the names of all US Olympic and World Champions since 1904.

Fila President Raphael Martinetti welcomes all country representatives, guests and dignities.

Fila President Raphael Martinetti presents inauguration gift from the oldest sport in the Olympic Games to the IOC President Dr. Jaques Rogue

LR: Setrak Agonian, Past President MWA; Larry Sciacchetano, president FILA Hall of Fame; James Ravannack, president USA Wrestling; Rick Tucci, FILA Referee Commission; Mrs. Martinetti; Stand Dziedzic, Fila bureau Member; Raphael Martinetti, president FILA; Rich Bender, Executive Director USA Wrestling; Hamed Kerman Shah, NYAC Wrestling Coach;

USA Delegation presenting their gift for the Inauguration of the new FILA Headquarters.....

The reception party at the FILA backyard

The local people at Coursuir Veve Switzerland made a nice presentation on traditional Swiss folk style dances and music.

The Swiss Anne Pellaud was the manager of the event, she is proudly presenting the Swiss Horn Players

US Representatives - Mr. Rick Tucci, Mr. Setrak Agonian; US FILA Bureau Member Stan Dziedzic and his wife (Arlene), IOC lawyer and former Canadian Wrestling Champion, Harold Stupp

USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender, Past President & US FILA Bureau Member, Stan Dziedzic and Current President James Ravannack, on behalf of USA Wrestling; presented two cases of a Californian wine to FILA as a congratulatory gift for FILA‘s new building

FILA bureau member Natasha Yarigin, wife of the world famous Olympic champion Ivan Yarigin - icon in Russian Wrestling; William Baxter, President of the International Federation of Celtic Wrestling; Living Olympic Legend, Alexander Medved - 3 time Olympic gold medalist (64,69,72) 7 time World Champion (62,63,66,67,69,71) 3 time European Champion (66,68,72)