April 20, 2022

2022 EUROPEAN FAIR PLAY MOVEMENT “FAIR PLAY FLAME” Award (to an athlete or a team under 18) goes to ALEKS ŠVELC (SLO)

In the final fight of the junior cadet category U16 at the SLOVENIA CUP (Sevnica, Slovenia, 7 May 2022), Tjan Omerzel (Ippon) with a red belt and Aleks Švelc (Ippon) with a blue belt fought in energetic fight for gold medal. After a minute and a half of fighting, the competitor with a red belt slipped. He fell on his back, which gave Švelc an extremely tactical opportunity and unexpected advantage, which he could use to gain decisive points. But he decided to make a very human and Fair Play move – he offered a hand to the competitor on the ground and helped him get up. They nod to each other and continue with the match. In the sequel, Švelc lost the match and gold medal and, in consequence, achieved second place. His move caused an immediate positive reaction and recognition from the panel of judges and the official delegate. At the awarding ceremony a special Fair Play award was handed over to Aleks Švelc for his extraordinary move and sportsmanlike behavior.