It was with great sorrow that WAoS received the news of the passing of Patrick Baumann on Sunday 14 October 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Patrick was Secretary General of FIBA (the International Basketball Federation) and an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member.

Patrick, who was 51, was a central figure of the Olympic movement. He was one of the key change agents in world sport and had great passion for everything that he was involved with, from the highest levels of world sport to helping young and aspiring athletes across the globe.

“It was with great sadness that we received the news of Patrick’s sudden death while at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina,” said WAoS Chairman, Francois Carrard. “Patrick has always been at the forefront of all WAoS activities and was a central figure in many of the WAoS development programmes, all aimed at helping the sporting youth of tomorrow and the administrators of world sport to further their careers. Patrick cared greatly about the future of everyone involved in sport. He was one of a kind; you always felt good around him, he joked, laughed and was always there to support the WAoS team with his brilliant mind and great passion for everything he was involved with. He will be sorely missed.”

Without the constant support of Patrick and the FIBA team, many of the developments that WAoS has achieved would not have been possible, most notably the work with the athlete friendly education centres. His generous support in allowing WAoS to open its first office in Switzerland at the ‘House of Basketball’ (headquarters of FIBA), was typical of Patrick. If he believed in something, he was 100 percent behind it.

WAoS’ heartfelt condolences go to Patrick’s wife, children and family at this most difficult time.

WAoS stands in unison with all our colleagues at FIBA who will miss the great leadership of Patrick. He was indeed a true friend and colleague.

ABOUT WAoS

• The World Academy of Sport originated in Australia in 2003 and has offices in Melbourne, Manchester, Dublin, Athens, Vancouver and Lausanne with its main office in Manchester, UK.
• The World Academy of Sport delivers learning programmes for sports and event participants - athletes, managers, administrators, officials and coaches - through a series of tailored educational programmes.

For further information visit www.worldacademysport.com