FORMER Philippine Olympic Committee president Rene Cruz died last Tuesday at Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa, after a heart attack. He was 85.
A retired police general, Cruz served as POC vice president in 1989 before taking over the leadership of the local Olympic body from 1993 to 1996.
It was under the term of the former badminton association head that the country won its last Olympic medal—a silver courtesy of boxer Mansueto Velasco during the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“It’s the legacy that he left behind,” said POC secretary general Steve Hontiveros. “He’s one of the best leaders that we had. He pursued a strong leadership and gained the respect of his peers.”
Cruz, a Korean War veteran, former Olympic swimmer, and an expert in military intelligence and security, left behind his wife Victoria, children Ding, Ruby, Arianne and Miriam, 12 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
His remains will be cremated at 10 a.m. today at Loyola Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque.
June Navarro