Born in 1949 in Calvià, on the Balearic Islands of Spain, Pepe Roses began practising judo at the age of 19, at the Judo Club Palma. His passion for the sport soon led him to dedicate his life to its development and promotion. He served as president of the Balearic Federation of Judo and Associated Sports for 23 years and as vice-president of the Spanish Judo Federation (RFEJDA) from 1993 to 2016. His leadership helped strengthen and modernise judo both in the Balearic Islands and across Spain.
At the international level, Pepe was Secretary of Refereeing within the International Judo Federation (IJF) and took part in the organisation of officials at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Before that he was an Olympic referee at Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996, later contributing to subsequent Games as part of the IJF team.
His outstanding service was recognised with the Cornelius Atticus Award (2016), as well as several medals for sporting merit, including the silver medal from the Spanish federation (1992), the silver medal from the IJF (1995) and the gold medal from the Spanish federation (2001). He also served as Director of the National College of Referees (CNA) and was a founding member of the Union of Sports Federations of the Balearic Islands (UFEB).
Mr Marius L. Vizer, IJF President, said: “On behalf of the International judo family and in my own name, we express our deepest condolences following the passing of Mr Pepe Onofre Roses, a judoka with an outstanding career and experience as a sport leader and Olympic referee. He was a true reference in modern judo, making a significant contribution to its development through his dedication and passion for our sport. Our thoughts are with the Spanish judo family and with Pepe Roses’ family and friends.”
Pepe Roses will be remembered as a pioneer and gentleman of judo, whose dedication, integrity and vision left a lasting mark on our sport. May he rest in peace.