The representation of athletes in Sports Organizations is becoming increasingly important for the development of the activity worldwide.
Santiago de Chile, November 13 (PS) -- The representation of athletes in Sports Organizations is becoming increasingly important for the development of the activity worldwide.
This has been demonstrated, for example, by the International Olympic Committee and Panam Sports, who in recent years have given the Athletes' Commission the place it deserves in each of their Executive Committees and Boards of Directors.
In these Pan American Games Santiago 2023, the elections for 4 new members of the Athletes' Commission were held and in a significant percentage of participation, the members that will assume next year were chosen.
During the 22 days that the Games lasted in total (with the 5 previous days of arrival at the Pan American Village), the athletes participating in the Games had to choose their favorites among 8 candidates.
Of the electoral universe of athletes, a total of 2587 athletes participated, resulting as winners the gold medalist of Santiago 2023 in Karate of Team Chile, Valentina Toro who obtained 1354 votes; the outstanding Argentinean pole vaulter German Charaviglio with 1131; Melissa Mojica from Puerto Rico with 921 votes; and the Jamaican Danusia Francis Reid with 892 votes.
The balance of the election was extremely positive. This, at least, was acknowledged by Commission President Aliann Pompey.
"This year we had an increase in the number of people who voted for our 8 candidates. In the end, just under 50% of the participating athletes voted for the athletes from Argentina, Chile, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. We have a unique situation where a male candidate did not win in the top four. Our Terms of Reference require that there be a minimum of 3 male and 3 female members on the commission. Therefore, we will nominate a candidate for the Commission's approval for the December meeting. The five returning members of the commission are eligible to run for the position of chair of the commission, and that election will be held at its first meeting. The date for that is yet to be determined," said Pompey.
Aliann Pompey, who will be stepping down in early 2024, acknowledged that "it has been an honor to serve as a member of the Athletes' Commission for the past 8 years and 4 years as Chair. I wish Adriana Escobar and Carlos Santiago (who are leaving the Commission) the best in their future endeavors. I am very excited about all the wonderful things the new Commission will accomplish.
Following this election, athletes from the continent will be represented by: Aliann Pompey (Guyana), Amber Joseph (Barbados), Paola Longoria (Mexico), Anthony Azevedo (USA), Melissa Humana (Canada), Isabel Swan (Brazil) and the 4 new members, Valentina Toro (Chile) German Charaviglio (Argentina), Melissa Mojica (Puerto Rico) and Danusia Francis (Jamaica).
Taken from Panam Sports
