It is with a heavy heart that FISU announces the passing away of two esteemed colleagues. Within the last month, the university sports movement has suffered the loss of the Secretary General of FISU America, Sandy Rodriguez and Louw Hekkema of Studentensport Nederland (SSN) who served as the Technical Chair of Long Track Speed Skating from 1996 to 2015.
Sandy Rodriguez, who passed away due to a heart attack, was president of the Venezuelan Sports Federation of University Education (FEVEDEU) and under his leadership, his country had sent the largest ever delegation to participate in the Gwangju 2015 Summer Universiade.
He will be remembered for his kindness, humility, wisdom and the good humour that always characterized him.
“University sport of the Americas lost a great leader and also one of its greatest supporters,” said FISU America President Alim Maluf Neto. “Sandy was one of the key people for the development of FISU America.”
FISU President Oleg Matytsin and FISU Secretary General-CEO Eric Saintrond also expressed their deepest sympathies to the Hekkema Family.
“We are truly sorry to hear that Louw passed away,” they said in a joint statement.
“On FISU’s behalf, we would like to send to his family and friends our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you all and we hope your beautiful memories can bring you comfort during these difficult times. Louw will be deeply missed.”
FISU America advisor America Alvarado Diaz (below) has been appointed the interim Secretary General of FISU America until 2020.