IOC President Marks 30th Anniversary of Munich Tragedy

05 September 2002
IOC Press Release
www.olympic.org

To mark the 30th anniversary of the tragedy at the Games of the XX Olympiad in 1972, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Dr Jacques Rogge, will tomorrow (6 September 2002) lead an IOC delegation to a ceremony of commemoration in Munich.

Accompanied by IOC Members Walther Tröger, President of the National Olympic Committee for Germany, Alex Gilady (ISR), and Roland Baar (GER), Dr Rogge, who participated in the sailing events at the 1972 Olympic Games, will attend the ceremony starting at 11 a.m. (0900 hours GMT).

The commemoration, involving German authorities and the Israeli Ambassador to Germany, plus other dignitaries, will take place at the Fürstenfeldbruck Airport, where ten of the victims lost their lives.

Commenting on the 30th anniversary of the Munich tragedy, Dr Rogge said: "The IOC will never forget this event which was the most tragic incident to have happened in the history of the Olympic Games. We will always remember it and ensure that the memory of our colleagues and friends who passed away is maintained."

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Broadcast quality video footage of a ten minute interview with the IOC President talking about the Munich tragedy is available. Please contact the European Broadcasting Union at +41-22-717 29 00 for circuit booking