Sam Ramsamy receives Order of Merit Award from World Aquatics for his 30 year service
Image: Hiroyuki Nakamura / World Aquatics
SPORT'S stalwart, anti-apartheid activist and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Honorary Member, Sam Ramsamy was honoured on Tuesday night at the World Aquatics General Congress with the organisation's Order of Merit.
World Aquatics said Ramsamy was a figure who has made a profound impact on global sport and bestowed the honour on him as he stepped down after an extraordinary 29-year tenure as a World Aquatics Bureau Member. World Aquatics also acknowledged Ramsamy for his role as an anti-apartheid pioneer and a champion of sport as a force for change.
Ramsamy served on the Bureau of World Aquatics since 1996. He was Vice President from 2003 to 2021, whereafter he served as First Vice President.
The Order of Merit award was presented to Ramsamy by IOC Honorary President for Life Thomas Bach. On presenting the award, Bach said, 'Mr Ramsamy, you are a great friend to all of us. Thank you for everything you've done for athletes, for sport, for humanity, and for swimming.'
IOC President Kirsty Coventry paid her own personal tribute to Ramsamy, 'I am proud of you, Sam. Africa is proud of you. You have united us and made us feel as one.'
IOC Member, Anant Singh commented, 'It was a privilege to be present to see Sam being recognized for his lifelong commitment to swimming and sport in general. Sam has made an indelible mark on the world of sport and continues to play a significant role as an IOC Honorary member. I was also delighted to have been present to witness, on the same day, Pieter Coetzee winning the Gold Medal for the 100m backstroke and it was quite a moving experience to see Sam have the opportunity to present the medal to him.'
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Ramsamy said, 'I am honoured to receive the Order of Merit for my service at World Aquatics. I have witnessed the sport grow during my tenure at World Aquatics. I am also proud to have seen the sport grow in Africa, especially with African countries targeting medals.
We had Penny Heyns, Kirsty Coventry, Chad Le Clos and Cameron van der Burgh, as well as the 2024 South African Swim Relay team all achieving Gold. It is now time for the younger generation of officials to pursue greater glory as they take World Aquatics into the future.'
Speaking about Pieter Coetzé's win on Tuesday at the World Aquatics Championships, Ramsamy said, 'I congratulate Pierre Coetzee on winning the Gold Medal in the 100m Backstroke. At only 21 he is already showing total maturity. He was disappointed with his results at the Paris Olympic Games, but his sparkle will undoubtedly light up at LA28.'
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