IHF mourns the passing of former IOC President Jacques Rogge

30 Aug. 2021

IHF mourns the passing of former IOC President Jacques Rogge

It is with great sadness the International Handball Federation (IHF) has learnt of the passing of former International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Count Jacques Rogge at the age of 79.

Rogge was the eighth President of the IOC, from 2001 to 2013, and oversaw three Summer Olympic Games, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012, while also developing the European Youth Olympic Festival, the prototype for the Youth Olympic Games. After his presidency, he became Honorary President.

A former Olympian himself, Rogge was a rugby player, winning 16 Belgian national titles, while also taking part in the Finn class of the sailing competitions at Mexico City 1968, Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976.

After his sporting career, Rogge became President of the Belgian and European Olympic Committees, and was elected President of the IOC in 2001. After his IOC Presidency, he also served as a Special Envoy for Youth, Refugees and Sport to the United Nations.

“First and foremost, Jacques loved sport and being with athletes - and he transmitted this passion to everyone who knew him. His joy in sport was infectious. The entire Olympic Movement will deeply mourn the loss of a great friend and a passionate fan of sport,” said IOC President Dr Thomas Bach on the IOC website.

Rogge is survived by his wife Anne, a son, a daughter and grandchildren.            

On behalf of the global handball family and the IHF, President Dr Hassan Moustafa joins the IOC in offering his sincerest condolences to Mr Rogge’s family and friends, as well as to the Olympic community, which he loved and represented solemnly.