World Archery president pays tribute to Jacques Rogge

Jacques Rogge, the former president of the International Olympic Committee, died on 29 August 2021 at the age of 79.

World Archery president Prof Dr Ugur Erdener and secretary general Tom Dielen issued the following statements after receiving the news.

The flags of World Archery, the International Paralympic Committee, Tokyo 2020 and Japan in Yumenoshima Park, which is the venue of the archery competitions at the currently underway Paralympic Games, were lowered to half-mast on 30 August.

World Archery president Prof Dr Ugur Erdener said:

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jacques Rogge, who was such a champion of sport and the Olympic movement before, during and after his time as President of the IOC.”

“He oversaw a period of rapid change for the Olympic Games, with the digital revolution and a renewed focus on using sport as a catalyst for positive change. He was passionate about encouraging youth participation, and engaging with active societies, and left a strong  legacy in the Youth Olympics.”

“I became a member of the IOC midway through his presidency. We had a common professional background as he was an experienced medical doctor and surgeon. I will remember fondly his passion and foremost his deep dedication to the athletes, both current and those who are the future of the sport.”

World Archery secretary general Tom Dielen said:

“Before becoming a leader of the Olympic movement, president Rogge helped to educate many of the current administrative leaders in sport in the field of sports management, including one current international federation president and two secretary generals.”

“His legacy is, of course, the Youth Olympic Games. Our current Olympic Champion from Turkey, Mete Gazoz, is an alumnus of this event that has helped develop numerous elite athletes, including many of our recent Olympians in Tokyo.”