Tel Aviv, 13th January – In recognition of his 16 yearlong commitment in favour of Olympic sports in Israel, the former President of the Israeli NOC Zvi Varshaviak was presented with the IOC Order of Merit by IOC member Alex Gilady and NOC President Igal Carmi.

The presentation took place during a festive ceremony for the awards to the outstanding Athletes of 2013 – world champion Judoka Yarden Jerbi and Europe Champion gymnast Alex Shatilov.