The International University Sports Federation is deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Adrian Gagea, former FISU auditor and Emeritus Honorary Member, at the age of seventy-eight. His daughter Gabriela Gagea informed the FISU leadership of his passing in Bucharest, Romania.
“He was really one of the best friends of FISU and of the university sports movement,” said FISU Secretary General-CEO Eric Saintrond. “After the tragic loss of Roberto Outeirino two weeks ago, this is another deep blow to us. I am in touch with his family and have expressed our profound grief.”
“It is so sad to learn about the demise of our colleague and friend Adrian Gagea,” said FISU Vice President Peninnah Aligawesa Kabenge. “Indeed, we have lost another pillar of university sports.”
Prof Adrian Gagea (left) with Aman Tuleev, Governor of Kemerovo Region and Oleg Matytsin, (then) FISU EC Member in 2008Professor PhD Adrian Gagea was a scholar, researcher, educationist and former shot put athlete himself. He was a participant in the Budapest 1965 Summer Universiade, as part of the Romanian team.
Later, he was Professor of Biomechanics at the National Academy of Physical Education and Sport in Bucharest. He had a long-term association with FISU and was elected Auditor in six consecutive mandates, from 1991 to 2015.
He was an Emeritus Honorary Member since 2015, the title awarded at the 34th FISU General Assembly held in 2015 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
“It is a personal grief that we feel upon hearing this tragic news,” said FISU President Oleg Matytsin. “Prof Gagea’s association and close involvement with FISU went on for decades. His presence and contribution will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family.”