Today, the global sporting community joins in celebrating a remarkable milestone—the 80th birthday of José Perurena, a respected Olympian, visionary leader, and lifelong advocate for sport.
From his early achievements as an elite Canoe Sprint athlete, representing Spain in the K4M 1000m event at the 1968 Olympic Games, Mr. Perurena’s journey in sport has been defined by dedication, excellence, and enduring impact.
Following his retirement from competition, he remained deeply committed to the development of canoeing—first as a coach, then through various leadership roles within the Spanish Canoe Federation, eventually serving as its President. His contributions extended to the Olympic stage, where he served as Technical Delegate at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, further advancing the sport’s global reach.
His leadership on the international stage has been equally distinguished. As Secretary General and later President of the International Canoe Federation, and as a Member of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Perurena has been instrumental in shaping policy and promoting athlete-focused development.
In his role as President of the International World Games Association (IWGA)—the first former elite athlete to hold this position—he brought a unique perspective grounded in lived experience. His presidency saw significant progress, including the relocation of the IWGA headquarters to Lausanne and the strengthening of its partnership with the IOC through a renewed Memorandum of Understanding.
Under his guidance, The World Games have continued to grow in stature and global relevance, reflecting Mr. Perurena’s steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation.
On this special occasion, AIMS extends its sincere congratulations and appreciation to President Perurena. His legacy, built on perseverance, integrity, and service, continues to inspire generations of athletes and sports leaders alike.
Feliz cumpleaños, Presidente Perurena! May this next chapter be as impactful as the many you have already authored.
