Olympics movement honors Froehlich

Birmingham’s Ron Froehlich, who in April was re-elected president of The International World Games Association, was awarded with the Olympic Order in a June 23 ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland. International Olympics Committee President Jacques Rogge led the ceremony.

IOC President Jacques Rogge, right, presents Ron Froehlich with the Olympic Order

The IOC decorated Froehlich for his services rendered to the Olympic movement and his dedication to the Olympic Family. He became the IWGA president in 1992. This year, at the SportAccord in Dubai, he was confirmed in his office for another four-year term. The World Games are under the patronage of the IOC.

In addition to his responsibilities as IWGA President, Froehlich is on the IOC Olympic Programme Commission.

The award, which is the highest award of the Olympic Movement, also pays tribute to his 48 years as a sports administrator. Froehlich described himself and his dedication to sports saying: “I am a volunteer. And I am proud of it.”  Upon being asked what motivated him during almost five decades, he replied: “Everything that I do is for the athletes. They take center stage.”

During his remarks at the ceremony, he said “It is a serious commitment that allows sports administrators to create opportunities for the millions of young people who participate in sport.”

He added, “The IOC and its constituents work to create the peaceful gathering of athletes from around the world through such events as the Olympic Games, the World Games, World Championships, and now the upcoming Youth Olympic Games. The reward of participating in these types of undertakings defies description. I am proud to stand together with my friends from the international Olympic Family on this journey toward sport solidarity.”

The ceremony in the IOC headquarter was held in the presence of the IOC Executive Board, the IOC members as well as friends and family. His wife Shirley and daughter Elana attended the ceremony.