(ATR) Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbón made her mark in sport as president of the International Equestrian Federation for 10 years and as one of a number of IOC members with royal heritage.
An honorary member of the IOC since 2008, she died Jan. 8 at a a hospital in Madrid. According to the Spanish press, she suffered from colon cancer.
The Dona Infanta was born July 30, 1936 in Cannes, France, where her family had moved while the Civil War broke out in Spain.
She was the older sister of King Juan Carlos and aunt of the current King of Spain, and Olympic athlete, Felipe VI.
Pilar de Borbón, who practiced equestrian sports in her youth, was a member of the IOC from 1996 to 2006 during her tenure at FEI.
She is one of 15 Spaniards who have been members of the IOC. Among them she and Marisol Casado, president of the International Triathlon Union are the only women.
Pilar de Borbón was a member of the Executive Bureau of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE), honorary president of the Spanish Equestrian Federation and of the organization "Europa Nostra" (2007-2009), a Pan-European Federation of Cultural Heritage representing citizens who work to safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of Europe.
She was responsible for running family businesses over the years and was a member of the board of directors for companies in Spain and France.
She also launched activities to raise funds for a Non-Governmental Organization that helped homeless children.
She had five children.
The president of COE Alejandro Blanco wrote on social networks: "We join the pain for the loss of the Infanta Doña Pilar, who was part of the COE Honor Council. Always focused on the sport, she transmitted her values and passion as president of the International Equestrian Federation until 2005. Rest in Peace ".
Written by Miguel Hernandez
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