Ms. Beatrice Allen was a member of the IOC from 2006 to 2020. An expert in international development and gender issues, she had a long and rich career in Gambia, her country of origin, as well as within the United Nations Program for Development (UNDP). Ms. Allen has also held numerous positions within sporting institutions in The Gambia and has been a member of several IOC commissions.
Presenting him with the Olympic Order, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “You have dedicated your life to making the world a better place through sport and to improving the lives of our fellow human beings.” Highlighting Ms. Allen’s role as a tireless advocate for gender equality, President Thomas Bach continued: “The advancement of women in and through sport has been a central theme throughout your career. May this whether at the head of the Gambian softball federation, as president of the ANOCA women and sport commission, as vice-president of the World Baseball and Softball Confederation or as president of the Gambian NOC, you your mission is to advance the role of women on and off the competition field. For more than a decade, the IOC has been able to count on your extensive experience, particularly within its numerous commissions on which you have actively contributed by bringing your expertise, your knowledge and your insight. With your vision, your energy and your exceptional personality, you left your mark on the Olympic Movement and we will always be grateful to you.”
Sir Craig Reedie became a member of the IOC in 1994. A keen sportsman, he began his sporting career as a badminton player at national and international level. After retiring from competition, he made a name for himself as a prominent sports executive. His first foray into sports administration was within his own sport as President of the Scottish Badminton Union. He later became president of the International Badminton Federation, where he successfully led the campaign to include badminton in the Olympic program. He chaired the British NOC for over ten years, during which he played a key role in London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympic Games. He was a key figure in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) .
Praising Sir Craig Reedie’s contribution to the IOC and the Olympic Movement, President Thomas Bach explained: “He joined the IOC in 1994, bringing his expertise to numerous commissions, then as a member of the Executive Board and vice-president. President of the IOC.” Speaking directly to him, President Thomas Bach said: “Dear Craig, as the third President of the World Anti-Doping Agency, you have had to weather some of the most difficult times in this organization. But thanks to your talents as a diplomat, your sense of humor and your open-mindedness, you managed to navigate rough waters and right the ship.”
Ms Allen and Sir Craig Reedie should have received their Olympic Orders in 2021 and 2022 respectively, but due to the global pandemic and resulting restrictions, the IOC chose to wait until a time when it would be possible to celebrate them in person with friends and colleagues.
A third Olympic Order was awarded to honorary IOC member Ung Chang of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), who participated in the ceremony via video link. In his absence, the Order was taken up by his son, John Chang.
Addressing the gathering, President Thomas Bach explained: “For decades, Ung Chang has been a driving force in promoting the role of sports in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. [Il] has always been the bridge between the Olympic Movement and the DPRK Olympic community. Throughout his illustrious career in sport, whether at the National Olympic Committee, the Olympic Council of Asia, as a member of the IOC or as an active member of numerous IOC commissions, Ung Chang has been foremost a trusted advisor who has always built bridges of friendship and understanding through sport and its values. He continues to do so today as an honorary member of the IOC, ensuring that DPRK athletes remain part of our Olympic community.”
Speaking directly to Mr. Chang, President Thomas Bach said: “My dear friend, even before my election as IOC President, I have always been able to count on your advice and wisdom. This bond of trust continues is even tightened, which has proven to be very valuable in overcoming the often complex challenges we have faced together.” He continued: “Before the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, you once again played a key role in the negotiations regarding the participation of the DPRK NOC in PyeongChang. Once again, you served as a bridge between the DPRK and the Olympic Movement as a whole during discussions that resulted in the Lausanne Declaration – the agreement that made possible the participation of DPRK athletes in PyeongChang. […] You made a great contribution which ultimately culminated in the unforgettable opening ceremony, when athletes from the Republic of Korea and the DPRK marched together as one team behind one flag, the Korean Unification Flag , sending a powerful message of peace to the world. We will always be grateful to you.”
The last Olympic Order of the Session was presented to Mr. Andrzej Krasnicki, former president of the Polish National Olympic Committee.
Describing Mr. Kraśnicki’s contribution to sport, President Thomas Bach said: “The strong position occupied by Polish sport in the world today is the result of a long journey of modernization. And the person who is at the The originator of this modernization is Andrzej Kraśnicki, a highly respected leader. He is highly respected by athletes and the Olympic community in Poland, but also by the world of politics, business and culture. He has put all these great relations in the service of sport in his country. It was under his leadership – and thanks to the respect he also enjoyed at European level – that the European Games were awarded to Poland. As President of the IOC, I am very grateful for strengthening the Olympic Movement in Poland – always defending and promoting the autonomy of sport – and for being such a reliable partner of the IOC.”
Speaking directly to Mr. Kraśnicki, President Thomas Bach said: “I always knew that you were a person with a big heart. You always showed that to me and to so many of your friends. But it is in difficult times your big heart and above all your human and compassionate side shone the brightest. Your humanity escaped no one when the Polish NOC, under your leadership, welcomed countless athletes and members of the Ukrainian Olympic community who were fleeing their country after the Russian invasion. When they needed it most, you offered them shelter and aid, you opened Polish sports facilities to them. You stood by them in the darkest hours and it is for acts of solidarity like this that we all admire you. Not only as a great sports leader, but also as a true humanitarian. You have truly made the world a better place through sport , my dear friend.”
Other personalities honored during the Session included Mr. Mamadou Ndiaye of Senegal, who was elected as a member in 2015. Although he steps down at the end of 2023, Mr. Ndiaye will remain a member of the commission of coordination of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, Paris 2024, and will be closely involved in the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026.
The Olympic Order is the IOC’s highest honor, awarded for distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement.
2023-10-18 10:51:21
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