Let´s talk! We are unfortunatly in a situation where the climate of discussion between different interest groups in armwrestling has become very hostile. It has even come to the point where people are convinced that their opponents have no good intention whatsoever, and that makes any fruitful discussion very difficult. Instead we have meetings in groups, where people who already agree with each other discuss things they already agree on. Normally the congress of any organisation is a good place to discuss, but that is only possible if people remember to also bring their ears, and not only their mouths.

Another difficult aspect is the fact that congress makes decisions, and everybody is more focused on trying to make those decisions go their way than listening, or even discussing.

I will arrive in Sofia for the European Championships on Saturday, and in Sunday afternoon I would like to meet together and discuss armwrestling and how we organize it, with anybody and everybody. I will hold no secret meetings, I will say or hear nothing that cannot be said to anybody, I will not sign any letters, state any intents, make myself part of any group. The gathering I am proposing is not a meeting to decide anything, deciding is done in congress, under proper conditions, according to previously agreed statutes. The gathering I am asking you to join me in is to discuss what we want with armwrestling, what we think is important, how do we see the future, what role should organisations and promotions have, and many other things. At this stage we need to talk to understand each other and our intentions, not to try to convince each other. The convincing and voting will be done in congress, where it should be. Please, meet me Sunday afternoon, let us talk and listen to each other. I will be available in Hotel Moscow from 2 pm, please join me. 

Anders Axklo President, Swedish Armwrestling Federation