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The presentation of the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy was attending by leading figures from the sailing world, including IOC Members, past Presidents and Vice-Presidents of ISAF and six previous winners of the award at a dinner hosted by S.pellegrino in Paris, France where ISAF is currently holding its Mid-Year Meeting.

Acknowledging Jacques ROGGE's contribution to the sport, the ISAF President Göran PETERSSON said,

'Dr Jacques ROGGE - sailor, sports advocate and President of the International Olympic Committee. It is indeed an honour and a pleasure to present you with the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy. I present this Trophy not only in recognition of your commitment to the sport of sailing, but to your leadership, passion, competence, fair play, openness and solidarity extended to the world of sport. The sailing and sports world and all your friends here tonight thank you and salute you.'

Jacque ROGGE in action in the Finn	Anne ROGGE, Jacques ROGGE and ISAF President Göran PETERSSON © Getty Images/ISAF	San Pellegrino sponsored the dinner and awards eremony

ROGGE, elected as the eighth IOC President in July 2001, has a long and distinguished history in sailing. He started sailing at an early age, encouraged by his father who was a keen sailor. After early success in the Cadet dinghy in which he won a world championship title, Jacques moved into the Finn dinghy, the class which was to become his passion for many years and included three Olympic campaigns in Mexico 1968, Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976 before he became the President of the Class in 1979.

On receiving the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy, ROGGE commented, 'thank you very much for this very high award which goes straight to my heart. I feel dwarfed when I see the prestigious list of recipients, I am not sure I deserve this honour but be sure, I feel very grateful and very honoured. It is a great pleasure to be here tonight amongst so many friends and in particular so many colleagues from the International Olympic Committee. ... Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, ISAF has made a great sport in the last century, the IOC will support ISAF to perpetuate this success in the next century.'

The Federazione Italiana Vela presented the trophy to the ISAF in memory of Beppe Croce, ISAF President from 1969-1986. Presented to an individual who has made a voluntary outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing, the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy roll of honour is an impressive one. Including multiple Olympic medalists, rules gurus and designers, all have dedicated an outstanding amount of time to the sport of sailing:

1988 His Majesty King Olav V of Norway
1989 F. Gregg Bemis (USA) / Gerald Sambrooke-Sturgess OBE (GBR)
1990 Paul Elvström (DEN)
1991 His Majesty King Juan Carlos of Spain
1992 Olin Stephens II (USA)
1993 Paul J. Phelan (CAN)
1994 Jonathan Janson (GBR)
1995 Otto Schlenzka (GER)
1996 Henry H. Anderson, JR (USA)
1997 Carlo Rolandi (ITA)
1998 Peter Tallberg (FIN)
1999 Mary Pera (GBR)
2000 Livius Sherwood (CAN)
2001 Peter Siemsen (BRA)
2002 Jan Linge (NOR)
2003 John Tinker (CAN)
2005 Paul Henderson (CAN)
2006 Ken RYAN (IRL)

S.pellegrino, as the ISAF Official Supplier of mineral water and presenting sponsor of the ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy, brought its elegant and unmistakable touch of Italian style alongside international sailing.