"It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing away of our President, Cesare Beccalli. He died unexpectedly in the early morning hours of December 26, 2007 while at his winter residence in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The WMA family extends their condolences to Cesare's wife Lidia and her family members. WMA has lost a prolific leader who has served the masters athletic movements in a variety of functions over many years."