adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe Olympic Committee vice president Brian Warren has died. He was 76. The veteran administrator, who was also the former Zimbabwe Judo Association president, died on Tuesday at his Mandara home after battling with cancer. Warren joined the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee in 1998 when he was elected as a board member.
In 2004, he was elected vice president, a position he held until 2013 when he stepped down.
He was then honoured as a life honorary member that same year.
At some point he was the ZOC media commission chairman and chairman for the Zimbabwe Olympic Academy during his time with the national Olympic Committee.
In 1997, Warren was picked by the International Judo Federation to be one of the referees at the world championships in France, becoming the first official from this part of the world, to receive such honour.
His daughter, Linda said her father passed away on Tuesday night surrounded by his family at his residence in Mandara.
“He passed on on Tuesday around 9pm. The whole family was with him at his home.
“He had cancer and it started approximately three years ago, but last year he had radiation and chemotherapy and this year we were hoping he will come right.
“He was getting strong, we were looking at another 10 to 15 years. He had severe chest pains in July.
“He was full of life and he supported us 200 percent. He was the pillar of strength and we are struggling right now,” said Linda.
One of the ZOC vice presidents, Thabani Gonye, said they are saddened by the passing on of Warren.
“It’s a great loss to all of us, I mean, coming from me and also on behalf of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, this is a great loss to the sporting family and Olympic family.
“Not only was Brian involved in sport at national association level, he contributed a lot to Zimbabwe sport as ZOC vice president.
“It’s rare that you come across such a dedicated person in sport.
“I met him on Sunday and spent time with him at his residence and you could tell he was in pain. We are all shocked by his death. May his soul rest peace,” said Gonye.
The Sports Commission paid tribute to Warren for his contribution to sport.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have received the sad news of the passing of Brian Warren, formerly the vice president of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee and (president) judo.
“Brian was an astute sport administrator who dedicated his life to sport with distinction as evidenced by the accomplishments that he got during his long and illustrious service to sport.
“There can be no doubt that Brian was a decorated sports administrator with a huge heart for his country and sport, in particular judo. His contribution to sport will go down in history as a journey well travelled.”
Warren is survived by his wife Pat, four children and nine grandchildren.
Online Reporter