"Georgios was a very dear and much-loved friend of mine and I am deeply saddened at his passing," Parsons said.

"On behalf of the IPC, Paralympic Movement and my family, I would like to pass on my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at the Hellenic Paralympic Committee.

"I know they will be devastated, as I am, at this terrible news.

"Georgios was a man full of energy, enthusiasm and emotion.

"His passion and zest for life was boundless, the love for his family and the Paralympic Movement immeasurable.

"He was a pioneer, a leader, a great father and a wonderful friend.

"His outstanding work in developing the Paralympic Movement saw him recognised with the Paralympic Order in 2015 and I for one could not have been prouder.

"Not only did he effectively establish the Hellenic Paralympic Committee, but he and his team worked tirelessly to develop a world leading development project for refugee athletes.

"He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

"He is man I will never forget."

Fountoulakis was last re-elected President of the Hellenic Paralympic Committee in March 2017.

Under his Presidency, Greece achieved their second-best performance ever at a Paralympics, winning five golds, four silvers and four bronze medals at Rio 2016.

In 2015 Fountoulakis was awarded with the Paralympic Order, the highest tribute a person connected with the Paralympic Movement can achieve, by IPC for his contributions to the Paralympic Movement.

Fountoulakis worked for the Hellenic Power Company (DEI), where he began to fight for the rights of employees, such as people with impairments.

At the same time, he competed in wheelchair basketball, and through sport got involved with administration.

Fountoulakis tireless efforts are credited with the development of sports bodies for athletes with impairments in Greece and eventually the Hellenic Paralympic Committee.

He was Chef de Mission for Greece at the Athens 2004 and London 2012 Paralympics, and Deputy Chef de Mission in Sydney 2000.