"He felt that the more countries that we can get involved participating in the Olympic games helped to meet the mission of the Olympics, which is to bring people together from all parts of the world to improve relations and to make the world a healthier place," explained Neirotti.

Samaranch struggled with health problems during the past decade. Despite advancing age and regular hospitalization, he remained strongly involved in the IOC after his retirement in 2001. He campaigned to bring the Olympic Games to Madrid in 2012 and 2016 - but both times the Spanish capital lost its bid.

Pound says Samaranch attended the Olympic Games to the very end.

"He was in Vancouver earlier this year," noted Pound. "He looked a little fragile, but he was there and I think he always enjoyed the Olympic games - why not? That is something to which he has devoted a huge percentage of his adult life."

Samaranch is survived by his two children, his son Juan Antonio Jr. - a member of the IOC - and daughter Maria Teresa, as well as his partner Luisa Sallent. His wife, Maria Teresa, died from cancer in 2000.