A memorial service for Viktor Gertsch, former President of the Organising Committee of the classic Lauberhorn races in the Swiss alpine resort of Wengen, who passed away on 26th November at the age of 74, was held in Interlaken (SUI) on 13th December 2016.
Along with Gertsch’s family and the Wengen Organising Committee, more than 600 long-time friends and colleagues from the international ski world gathered to pay tribute to Gertsch, including FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis and Srecko Medven, President of Club5, Swiss Ski and all the Organisers of competitions in Switzerland, along with representatives from Kitzbühel (AUT), Chamonix, Val d’Isère (both FRA), the ski industry, media and former top athletes.
Gertsch served as President of the prestigious race Wengen Organising Committee for 44 years, from 1970-2014, playing a pivotal role in the development of the event and forming it to one of the most spectacular and highly-attended winter sports events in the world. Gertsch was also one of the founding members of Club5 in 1986 and served as a member of the organisation’s board from 1986-2010, and as President from 2006-2010 after which he was appointed Honorary Member.
Addressing the humour, great humanity and outstanding achievements of Gertsch, Adolf Ogi, former Federal Council of Switzerland, Roger de Weck, Secretary General of the Swiss Radio and Television Association (SRG), Urs Näpflin, successor of Gertsch as President of the Wengen Organising Committee and his long-time friend and colleague former Chief of Race and Vice President in Wengen, Fredy Fuchs held speeches to pay their last respects.
Source: fis-ski.com
