The European Olympic Committees (EOC) wish to pay tribute to the late EOC President Janez Kocijančič three years on from his passing.

Kocijančič passed away on 1st June 2020 following a distinguished career as a sports leader within the Olympic Movement, which saw him posthumously awarded the EOC Order of Merit in September 2022 to recognise his outstanding contribution to sport in Europe and the values of Olympism.

EOC President Spyros Capralos and Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi paid tribute to Kocijančič, who also served as the first President of the Slovenian Olympic Committee between 1991 and 2004, and commended his impact on sport in Europe.

Capralos said: “Yesterday we remembered Janez during the Flame of Peace Lighting ceremony in Rome for the Summer EYOF Maribor 2023. It was his dream to organise the EYOF in Slovenia.

“He continues to be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family on this anniversary.”

Pagnozzi said: “It is hard to believe that it is three years since we lost Janez. He was an outstanding leader and someone I considered a close friend. Janez was full of wisdom and his impact on the Olympic Movement in Europe can still be felt today.”

As well as the roles mentioned previously, Kocijančič served as President of the Slovenian Ski Association, President of the Yugoslav Ski Association and Vice President of the International Ski Federation.

Prior to being voted President of the EOC, he was a member of the Executive Committee and a Vice President.