Bob De Die passed away

Bob De Die passed away

It is with great sadness the International World Games Association (IWGA) has learnt of the passing of Bob de Die, Honorary Life President of the International Korfball Federation (IKF), former Senior Vice President of the IWGA and recipient of the Olympic Order, at the age of 86 at his residence in the Netherland.

Bob de Die will be remembered as the sixth President of the International Korfball Federation, serving from 1988 until 2003. During his Presidency, the IKF obtained recognition by the Global Association of International Sports Federations and later by the International Olympic Committee. During his vice-presidency, from 1981 until 1988, the korfball entered into the program of The World Games. From 1993 until 2005 de Die also served as Senior Vice President of the IWGA. De Die was truly engaged with the development of the sport, having a particular impact on the development of the international competition calendar and the embedding in international multi-sports bodies.

Bob De Die was awarded the Honorary Life Presidency of the International Korfball Federation upon his retirement in 2003. At that time, he was also awarded the Olympic Order for his extensive service of many decades to the Olympic Movement. He was also an Officer in the Knighthood of Orange-Nassau, and a Honorary Life Member of the Royal Netherlands Korfball Association. In 2005, he received the GAISF Award for his service to sports.

After his retirement, Bob remained following the development of korfball and The World Games closely.

Jan C. Fransoo, current IKF President says:

“Bob de Die brought me into the International Korfball Federation as a volunteer administrator and later on convinced me to take on the job as Secretary General in 1997. From that period onwards, he has had a major impact on my development as a sports administrator. I will remember him for his positive and realistic outlook, and for ensuring me that good governance is what matters across sports. We wish his wife, children and grandchildren lots of strength in going through this difficult period.”

The thoughts of The World Games Family are with Bob de Die’s beloved ones at this very difficult time.

 The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-25 July 2021. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.

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