It is with great sadness that we inform the Victorian Fencing Community of the passing of Andrew Ius - former AFF President and regular Fencing Victoria Council Member. Andrew passed away peacefully on 25 July 2017, after an extended period of illness.
Our deepest sympathies go to his wife, Helen Smith and their family - son Adriano and daughter Pia. Andrew was an active member of Australia's Fencing Community and even when President of the AFF, he still found time to attend Fencing Victoria Council Meetings to offer his insight and experienced knowledge. Andrew was a Life Member of both Fencing Victoria and The Australian Fencing Federation.
The Fencing Community has lost a hard working and dedicated member, who will be missed by all who knew him and many who only felt the effects of his contribution to the sport.
From the AFF Webpage - A citation outlining the full extent of Andrew's contribution to Australian fencing
Mr Andrew Ius was awarded Life membership of the Australian Fencing Federation Ltd (AFF) at the Annual General Meeting on 20 May 2017, in recognition of his many years of devoted service to the AFF and his invaluable contribution to the development of fencing in Australia.
Andrew’s involvement in the administration of Australian fencing extends over a period of 30 years, an incredible commitment of volunteer time and energy.
Most recently, Andrew served as the President of the AFF (and its predecessor entity, the Australian Fencing Federation Inc) from 2009 to 2016.
Andrew’s calm guidance and considered judgment contributed to the stable governance of the organisation during a period of considerable change, including transition to a new corporate structure and the redesign of the High Performance Program.
Andrew had been a member of the former AFF Executive (and the current Board) for 32 years, having been first elected in 1985. Andrew retired from the Board at the Annual General Meeting on 20 May 2017.
During his tenure, Andrew served in a range of roles (including Treasurer, Secretary-General and Public Officer) and sat on a number of Commissions, including the Tournament Management Commission, the Finance & Administration Commission and the Selection Commission.
During his career, Andrew has taken on team management roles for several Australian representative teams at major championships, including the World Cadet & Junior Championships and the Commonwealth Championships.
Andrew has also made an extensive contribution to the management of international fencing events in Australia and overseas, including in the following roles:
- Sports Information Manager (fencing), Sydney Olympic Games (2000)
- Event Director, International Epee Challenge World Cup (1992 & 1993)
- Event Management Team, Challenge Australia (1994 – 2011)
- Event Management Team, Veteran World Championships (2007)
- Chair, Directoire Technique, Australian Youth Olympic Festival (2009)
- Directoire Technique assistant, Commonwealth Veteran Championships (2012)
- Directoire Technique member, Asian Senior Championships (2012)
- Directoire Technique member, Olympic Zone Qualifier (2012)
Prior to joining the AFF Executive, Andrew held a range of positions with the Victorian Amateur Fencing Association (now Fencing Victoria), including periods as Treasurer, Secretary and Public Officer.
Last Modified on 27/07/2017 13:40