International Anti-Doping Warrior and Chairman of the IOC’s Medical Commission to Receive Top Honors in Sochi
The Foundation for Global Sports Development (GSD) is putting drug-free competition in the spotlight by honoring Professor Arne Ljungqvist – vice chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and chairman of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Medical Commission – with their prestigious Humanitarian Award. This year’s ceremony will be held at the USA House in the Sochi Olympic Park on February 8, and will feature an influential lineup of guests and speakers that includes IOC member Dr. Ugur Erdener and IOC member and WADA President Sir Craig Reedie. In addition to the distinguished award, GSD will be presenting Professor Ljungqvist with a $100,000 grant for use toward advancing his work in sports management.
GSD’s Humanitarian Award was created in 2010 in an effort to honor and recognize individuals and organizations that work to preserve the values of fair play, sportsmanship and drug-free competition in the world of sports.
“This award was conceived to celebrate individuals that have stepped up to champion equality and integrity in sport,” said Dr. Steven Ungerleider, an anti-doping expert and founding trustee of GSD. “I can’t think of anyone who’s done more for the well-being of the global athletic community and the modern Olympics movement than Dr. Arne Ljungqvist.”
“Given that it’s an Olympic year, Dr. Ljungvist was a natural pick for our Humanitarian Award,” added David Ulich, executive board member of GSD. “Arne has been on the frontlines of the international clean sports movement since the early ‘70s and continues to be a thought leader in creating positive change, regardless of financial or scientific limitations.”
Previous Humanitarian Award winners include former Olympian Richard W. Pound (2010) whom many have credited with saving the Olympic Movement; and President of the International Paralympic Committee, Sir Philip Craven (2012).
About Global Sports Development
Working closely with international sports federations, generous donors and committed athletes, The Foundation for Global Sports Development promotes sportsmanship, education, fair play and ethics among the world’s youth. The Foundation gives special emphasis to groups and communities that are most in need or most underserved by current programs, including women, minorities and youth in areas where the risk of delinquency is particularly high. Visit www.globalsportsdevelopment.org to learn more.
About Dr. Arne Ljungqvist:
Professor Arne Ljungqvist is a cancer doctor, scientist, medical professor, high jumper and sports manager. He has devoted his life to the service of medicine and sport and has become one of the world’s most respected names in international sports management. In addition to being a Swedish high jump champion and a participate in the Helsinki 1952 Olympics, Arne Ljungqvist currently serves as the vice chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and chairman of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Medical Commission. For more information, please visit http://www.arneljungqvist.com/.
