Czech official receives Olympic Order

PRAGUE - Milan Jirasek, chairman of the Czech Olympic Committee (COC), received the Olympic Order, the highest individual decoration, from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the 110th anniversary of its foundation.

The Olympic Order, a chain with Olympic circles flanked with an olive branch, has been awarded since 1974 for distinguished contribution to sports and the Olympic movement.

Jirasek received it from Patrick Hickey, President of European Olympic Committees, the Czech news agency CTK said.

Jirasek has been in office since 1996. He is also a member of the board of the Association of Skiers of the Czech Republic and the International Ski Federation (FIS).

The Pierre de Coubertin medal was given to Emanuel Bosak, a long- standing COV official and former chairman, the Czech news agency CTK said.

The Tibi Gratis (Thank You) medal was awarded to Olympic winners Dana Zatopkova (javelin), Jiri Raska (ski jumping), Jan Zelezny (javelin), Martin Doktor (canoeing), Roman Sebrle (decathlon), Vera Caslavska (gymnastics), Katerina Neumannova (cross-country skiing), Stepanka Hilgertova (kayaking) and Katerina Emmons (shooting).