The President of the Russian Federation Mr Dmitry Medvedev awarded the Order of Friendship to FISU Honorary President George Killian for his contribution to the development of university sports in the Russian Federation, the strengthening of the cooperation with the Russian Federation in the field of sports and humanity. The corresponding Executive Order was signed by the Russian President on November 7th, 2011.

The Order of Friendship was established by an Executive Order of the President of the Russian Federation in March 1994. The Order of Friendship is awarded to citizens for outstanding contributions to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between nations and peoples, for exceptional achievements in Russia’s economic and scientific potential development, for the most productive activities promoting rapprochement and mutual enrichment of cultures of various nationalities and races, for fostering peace and friendly relations among countries.