IWGA Honorary President Ron Froehlich has been presented with a SportAccord award by SportAccord President Patrick Baumann, in recognition of his dedication and commitment to Sport and for his services to SportAccord and the SportAccord Convention.
IWGA President José Perurena and IWGA CEO Joachim Gossow said: “Ron Froehlich really deserves this award. In his work on different boards, he has always sought the best for all the international sports federations. He treats everyone equally and always works to bring federations together. He cares most for the athletes’ best interests. The athletes come first.”
Ron Froehlich served as International World Games Association (IWGA) President 1992–2014, and in the SportAccord (GAISF) Executive Board as a member 1992–2007 and as Vice President 2007–2015. In the period 1997–2005, Froehlich presided over the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF). In 2005, Froehlich was named President Emeritus of ARISF.
During Ron Froehlich’s time as the President of the IWGA, The World Games grew from having 24 sports and 72 countries in 1992 to 31 sports and 101 countries in 2013, and from having 70,000 spectators in 1992 to having 510,000 people present watching the Games in 2013.
In 2010, Mr Froehlich received the Olympic Order for his outstanding service in sports administration and his contributions to the Olympic Movement. The Olympic Order is the highest award of the IOC, and it is awarded to individuals for distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement.
“Everything I have done during the years has been for the athletes. No matter what organisation I have worked for, it’s for the athletes. In the sports world, the athletes come first. And second. And third”, Mr Froehlich commented.