Award for FISA Council Member Dibos

FISA Council member for South America Ivan Dibos added another award to his extensive collection when he was presented with the "Orden al merito" – Grand Officer of the Order of Merit for services rendered – by Peruvian President Dr. Alejandro Toledo.

This recognition is especially notable as it is normally awarded to those in the diplomatic service or prominent academics. In the case of Dibos, the award recognises his distinguished service to Peru especially in the field of sport.

Last year Dibos became Peru's first Minister of Sport which comes after a long involvement in sport which began over 40 years ago when Dibos, as a young rower, took his first strokes. This led on to a distinguished personal athletic career that spanned 17 years as one of Peru's top rowers. Between 1957 and 1973 Dibos retained the title of Peruvian Rowing Champion and competed at several Pan American Games.

Dibos still rows with his local club Regatas Lima and in 2000 he won the Peruvian masters championships in a pair.

Dibos has served and continues to serve on many international sporting organizations, becoming a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for Peru in 1982. He then went on to lead the Peruvian Olympic team in Sydney as Chef de Mission.

Dibos has already been acknowledged internationally for his contribution to sport receiving France's Ministry of Youth and Sport "gold medal" recognition in 2001 for his lifelong commitment to sport. That same year Dibos earned an Order of Knight of South American rowing.

As FISA council member Dibos has been the continental representative for South America since 1991.

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