At the IWGA Annual General Meeting during the 2010 Sport Accord Convention in Dubai the Dutchman, who lives near Maastricht, didn't stand for re-election. Retrospectively Co Koren says: 'I had my share.'

At the same time he leaves with mixed feelings: 'I will always remain closely connected to The World Games. It's a matter of heart.' In the future he will review and reorganize all the materials in his archives that he collected about The World Games. He plans to make these historical documents available to the IWGA. Ron Froehlich, the re-elected IWGA President, thanked Co Koren for his commitment that contributed substantially to the success of The World Games under the patronage of the IOC. 'Co Koren has always shown a passion for The World Games. His extensive experience as a President of the world federation of Tug-of-War has greatly benefited our movement. He will always be part of The World Games family.'

It is through their applause at the official farewell celebration that the delegates of the member IFs paid tribute to the services rendered by Co Koren.

Dedicated to tug of war as an active athlete, he has been in contact with The World Games since the first edition of The World Games in Santa Clara, USA, in 1981. At that time he was still an official of the Tug of War International Federation. In 1983 he joined the IWGA Executive Committee. Since 1989 he has been the IWGA Secretary General. Sports Director Achim Gossow (GER) will take over his tasks in the future as a full-time CEO.

 

During the SportAccord General Conference on 30 April in Dubai, Co Koren received the 2010 Spirit of Sport Award for his contributions for the development of sport from SportAccord President Hein Verbruggen.