Matthias Remund, the long-serving director of the Federal Office of Sport (Baspo), was bid farewell in Magglingen. For almost two decades, the Bernese was the highest sports official in Switzerland.
Remund experienced four department heads during his time at the helm of Baspo. The last Federal Councillor in this line, Viola Amherd, bid him farewell on Thursday evening in the Sport-Toto-Halle as part of the Magglinger Tag 2024.
"Dear Matthias, for 19 years you worked tirelessly for the cause of sport. I can hardly think of a better lobbyist for sport. Thank you for your commitment and loyalty," said the Valais native. Finally, President Amherd presented the 61-year-old with a gift that otherwise only state guests and ministers receive.
The last words on Magglingen Day - also his last working day as Director of the Baspo, as Sandra Felix from Graubünden will take over the post on November 1st - belonged to the departing Remund. Anyone who is allowed to work in sport and in Magglingen is privileged.
"Sports promotion was my focus day and night," said the 61-year-old, who took over the Baspo leadership from Heinz Keller on April 1, 2005. Now it's time to go, said Remund: "Ciao everyone, ciao Magglingen and Tenero. It's been nice."
Remund will remain closely involved in the sport. From January 2025, he will take over as Secretary General of the International University Sports Federation.
SDA
