It is with deep regret and profound sadness that The World Games family announces the death of Ernesto Dohnalek, Honorary President of the International Fistball Federation (IFA).
A native of Argentina, he died aged 70 on February 26 after a long period of illness. José Perurena, President of the International World Games Association said of Ernesto Dohnalek:
"We have lost someone who has been a close friend for many years. His commitment to our multi-sport event was exemplary. At the same time, he won many friends with his open and down-to-earth nature. This cheerful nature made Ernesto an outstanding and influential ambassador for his sport as well."
Ernesto Dohnalek worked for his sport for many decades. From 1995 to 2011, he led his federation, which currently has 64 national member associations. Fistball has been part of The World Games (TWG) programme since 1985. During his time as President, Ernesto Dohnalek always emphasized the importance of TWG as a major platform to promote Fistball worldwide. He helped to establish the World Championships two years before the next edition of TWG. His goal was to reliably put his sport in the public eye.
After leaving office, Ernesto Dohnalek continued to support IFA as Honorary President. At The World Games 2017 in Wroclaw, Poland, he was invited as a guest of honor and was able to witness, among other matches, the spectacular final between Germany and Switzerland (4:3).
José Perurena: "In our thoughts, we are with Ernesto’s wife Andrea and their children. The World Games family will always remember him as one of the strongest supporters of our event. Our farewell words are simply expressed: “Thank you, Ernesto."
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in The World Games.