It is with utmost sorrow that we inform you of the sudden passing of František Janda (CZE), on November 3, 2015.
František Janda was born on July 5, 1967 in Prague. He was a film producer, and General Manager of film and TV Company S PRO ALFA FILM CZECH REPUBLIC.
His original profession was a professional soldier. He studied psychology, majoring in special army preparation. In 1990 – 1991 he participated in combat operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
He was the holder of the Saudi Arabian Battle Order, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, Cross of Merit of the Czech Army and other honours.
In 2005, he resigned from the position of General Manager of S PRO ALFA FILM CZECH REPUBLIC and decided to devote his life to sport and fencing.
His fencing career was impressive:
- 1994 Executive Vice-President of the Czech Fencing Federation
- 1995 – 2010 President of the Czech Fencing Federation
- 1995 – 2012 Member of the FIE PR and Promotion Commission
- 1998 – 2012 President of the FIE PR and Promotion Commission
- 2000 – 2005 FIE International referee at epee and foil
- 2004 Participation at the Olympic Games in Athens as a referee in fencing events of Modern Pentathlon
- 2009 Member of the Executive Committee of the Czech Olympic Committee
- 2009 President of the European Fencing Confederation (EFC) and thus member of the FIE Executive Committee
- 2013 Re-elected President of the European Fencing Confederation (EFC) for a further four-year term.
Frantisek Janda was 48 years old. The FIE and the sport of fencing have lost a remarkable leader, a talented fencer and a referee of great merit. But above all, the FIE has lost a great friend who was appreciated and respected by all.
František Janda passed away on the way to fuel the sport that he loved and to which he dedicated a large part of his life.
To his family and friends, and to the Czech Fencing Federation, we express our most sincere condolences and our profound sympathy.
©photo/Bizzi