PASO executive secretary Reynaldo González López has passed away at the age of 66.
Marcel Aubut, president of the Canadian Olympic Committee, released the following statement of condolence on the COC’s behalf:
“It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the loss of Reynaldo González López, Executive Secretary of PASO. Mr. Gonzalez played a crucial role in the success of sport in the Americas and around the world as an IOC Member, Secretary General of the Cuban National Olympic Committee and later as Executive Secretary of the Pan-American Sports Organization. He was a dedicated leader whose passion and commitment to the Pan Am and Olympic Movement was undeniable. We extend sincere condolences to his wife Emilia, family and loved ones for their loss and wish them all the best during this difficult time. Reynaldo will be sorely missed by the athletes whose lives he touched and everyone else who had the chance to know him.”
González Lopez became an IOC Member in 1995. He was a member of the Women and Sport Working Group (1996-2001), Women and Sport Commission (2006-2015) and the Editorial Committee of the 2009 Olympic Congress (2007-2009).
He left his mark on sports within Cuba and throughout the Americas, first as Secretary General of the Cuban National Olympic Committee (1984-2000) and later as Executive Secretary of the Pan-American Sports Organisation (PASO) (2010-2015).
González Lopez was also 1st Vice-President of the INDER (Instituto Nacional de Deportes, Educación Fisica y Recreación) (1981-1994) and then its President (1994-1997). He was 1st Vice-President of the International Baseball Association (IBA) (1988-1999); President of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) Ethics Commission (1999-2015); President of the Cuban Amateur Baseball Federation (1981-1999); Secretary General of the Organising Committee of the XI Panamerican Games in Havana (Copan ’91); Vice-President of the Organising Committee of the XIV Central American and Caribbean Games (Havana ’82); National Director of University Sports (1997-2001); and Coordinator General of the Panamerican Olympic Solidarity (2001-2015).
González Lopez enjoyed playing baseball, softball, volleyball, and fishing.
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