The news of the international sports movement experienced little respite and downtime during 2013. Elections, candidacies, events, controversies... FrancsJeux sorted out a particularly large lot. And pulled out of the hat the top 10 men, women, sports, countries or institutions who made 2013 for us.
No. 4: Marius Vizer
His year FrancsJeux - An almost perfect year for the leader of Romanian origin. At the end of May, in Saint Petersburg, he pushed aside Bernard Lapasset in the race for the presidency of SportAccord. By 57 votes to 32, he succeeded Hein Verbruggen and established himself as one of the key men in the international sports movement. Three months later, he returned for a new term as president of the International Judo Federation. A formality, Marius Vizer being the only candidate in the running. Finally, in October, he attended as guest of honor and master of ceremonies the second edition of the World Combat Games, still in Saint Petersburg, an event under the patronage of SportAccord and attended by 1400 athletes from 62 countries. . He took the opportunity to announce the upcoming creation of other “World Games”, intended in particular for artistic disciplines and beach events. More than ever, Marius Vizer poses as a competitor to Thomas Bach.
What awaits him in 2014 – After a year in 2013 devoted to campaigning twice, Marius Vizer should take advantage of the next twelve months to consolidate his power. Very close to Vladimir Putin, he should be very present, and quite visible, during the Sochi Games. In April (6-11), he will chair the SportAccord convention for the first time, held in Antalya, Turkey. Above all, the year 2014 should be an opportunity for the Romanian leader to get a little closer to his ally, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, president of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). Last November, the two men signed a cooperation agreement between SportAccord and ANOC. An alliance which should materialize in 2014.
