FISU President awarded the Order of Honour of the Russian Federation

FISU President awarded the Order of Honour of the Russian Federation

On 27 June, the President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Mr Oleg Matytsin was awarded the Order of Honour of the Russian Federation at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. Mr Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation presented state orders, distinctions and honorary titles to more than 30 Russian citizens for their outstanding achievements in different spheres.

Addressing the audience, Mr Putin said: "It gives me great pleasure to be presenting Russia’s highest decorations here at the Kremlin, to the most talented and deserving citizens of our country. Each and every one of you has achieved outstanding results in your fields. Your accomplishments, victories, records, courage and labour all contribute to Russia’s development in meaningful ways. Of course, there is also a moral dimension to these efforts. Our country is hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and it is symbolic that decorations will be presented today to those who made the development of sports their life’s work: Shamil Tarpishchev, Vladimir Chagin, Ivan Dusharin and Oleg Matytsin."

Speech of the President of Russia Mr Vladimir Putin

The Order of Honour is among the highest decorations a Russian citizen can earn. Upon receiving the award, Mr Matytsin took the floor to thank the President of Russia. "I would like to use this unique opportunity to extend, on behalf of my colleagues from FISU, our appreciation for the projects the Russian Federation has been hosting with a great hospitality: the Universiade in Kazan and the Winter Universiade which will take place in Krasnoyarsk next year," President Matytsin said.

From 2006 until 2015, Mr Matytsin served as President of the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism. Between 2005 and 2008 he was Executive Committee member in the European University Sports Association (EUSA) and between 2009 and 2016 the Vice-President of EUSA. Since 2015, he holds the position of the FISU President. During his time as President, FISU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Olympic Committee and launched the FISU Global Strategy 2027.

For more information, please see www.fisu.net.