Surf Life Saving Australia were honoured with a visit from the President of the International Olympic Committee, Dr Jacques Rogge.

Dr Rogge visited Surf House at Bondi Beach on Friday 21 November.

Dr. Rogge was invited by Mr Phil Coles AM, Member of the IOC and former Australian Surf Lifesaving Team Captain.

The visit was hosted by the President of International Life Saving, Alan Whelpton AM, and National Development Manager of Surf Life Saving Australia, Danya Hodgetts. Dr Rogge was shown through the Museum of Surf Lifesaving, the SLSA Administration Offices and a presentation on surf lifesaving in Australia.

Excellent discussion took place between our President and Dr. Rogge was most impressed by the achievements of SLSA and the number of countries now involved in ILS.

He asked many questions regarding learn to swim campaigns and how the Olympic could work closer with ILS.

Our President raised the matter of Olympic Competition and Dr. Rogge suggested we continue to work towards increasing our number of countries and also continue to showcase our competition at every opportunity. He is looking forward to seeing our participation at the next World Games in Germany.

Our President presented a leather bound book “The Lifesaver” from SLSA to Dr. Rogge. Dr. Rogge invited our President to a visit the Olympic Headquarters in Lausanne and also passed on his regards to our Secretary General who he has known for many years having attended the same University.

After the visit Dr. Rogge toured many of the Sydney beaches before returning to an official Olympic Luncheon. He was a Belgium representative rugby player in earlier days and was making a quick visit to Sydney to see the final of the Rugby World Cup.