It has been quite a year for SAWF official Charles Villet. Earlier this year Charles Villet had the honor of joining a very exclusive group of officials when he was selected to referee at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. His hard work did not go unnoticed and a few months later he was nominated for the volunteer of the year award at the South African Sports Awards. As one of the only African referees to go to Rio and South Africa’s number one referee it is no surprise that United World Wrestling announced his appointment to the UWW Referee Commission as one of only four assistants.

With the constitution of the new UWW Referee Commission Charles was selected from hundreds of candidates. The Commission represent the maximum award to any active referee and comes with the enormous responsibility of correctness and fair play towards not only wrestlers but to all members of the wrestling community. With the constitution of the new Commission the old Oversight Commission has been disbanded, and the new Commission will work closely with UWW president Mr. Lalovic and UWW Sport Department (led by Jean-Daniel Rey).

It goes without saying that this is a huge honor for Charles and one of the many highlights of his 30+ years of officiating career. SAWF is proud to have Charles serve as head of our own Officials Counsel for 2016 as well as newly elected Vice President on the SAWF Executive and know that 2017 will be another fantastic year for him.