Former IWGA secretary general Co Koren, left, has died aged 80 ©IWGA

International World Games Association (IWGA) President José Perurena has written to the family of its former secretary general Co Koren to offer his condolences after his passing.

Koren died aged 80 at the weekend after what has been described as a short but serious illness.

"We are not only losing a friend, we are losing a family member, it is no exaggeration to say that Co Koren was one of the godfathers when the IWGA was founded," Perurena said.

"He was with us from the beginning and has actively supported us ever since, we are deeply grieved by his loss."

Koren was also an honorary Life President of the International Tug of War Federation and had been involved in preparations for the inaugural World Games held in Santa Clara California in 1981.

"He has always shown a passion for The World Games," Perurena added.

A meeting in 1980 of the General Association of International Sports Federations in Monaco included Koren as preparations for the 1981 World Games in Santa Clara were finalised ©IWGA
A meeting in 1980 of the General Association of International Sports Federations in Monaco included Koren as preparations for the 1981 World Games in Santa Clara were finalised ©IWGA

"He has served the IWGA for so many years and decades and has always been loyal and dedicated even in difficult times, we have benefited immensely from his experience and knowledge."

An athlete who competed in tug of war, Koren took office as IWGA secretary general in 1989 and remained in the post until 2010.

He later donated many items to the IWGA archive.

"My association with Co as the secretary general of The World Games was spread over many years," IWGA Honorary Life President Ron Froehlich said. 

"He will be sorely missed."