FIBA post memorial in mourning of Samaranch
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World basketball governing body FIBA posted an article on its official website in memoriam of former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch, who died at 89 on Wednesday.
"It is with great sadness that FIBA today learned of the passing of International Olympic Committee (IOC) Honorary President Juan Antonio Samaranch, who presided over the organisation for more than two decades (1980-2001), becoming one of the most recognisable figures in world sport," read the release.
"During his time at the head of the IOC, Samaranch oversaw a large number of changes within the Olympic Movement and the sporting world as a whole, being brought to deal with the increasing weight of commercialism within sport as well as issues such as professionalism at the Games.
"Among his many achievements, he can be credited with the creation of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and also oversaw the inclusion of the first female IOC Members."
The article recalled all the Spaniard's life and quoted FIBA secretary gerneral and IOC member Patrick Baumann as saying that Samaranch had been a pusher for not only the Olympic movement but also basketball.
"This is a very sad day. President Samaranch's contributions to world sport and basketball have been priceless, not only during his time at the head of the IOC, but throughout a life largely dedicated to sport," Baumann said.
"He and FIBA Secretary General Emeritus Borislav Stankovic worked tightly together to bring professional basketball to the Olympic Games, which has largely improved the level of competition at this event, while substantially increasing interest in it. Accordingly, the game of basketball has grown at all levels, which has benefited the sport as a whole.
"I speak on behalf of FIBA in sending my sincerest sympathies and condolences to his family and his many friends. He will be sorely missed," added Baumann.
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