THIS WEEK IN NACAC
Vol. 3
No. 20
22 May 2022
Pan American Juniors cancelled
Athletes across the Americas are disappointed at the news that the Pan American Juniors Championships, originally scheduled for 2021, have been cancelled.
The Pan American Juniors were awarded to Iquique, Chile, to be held in 2021. Unfortunately, after much deliberations, the decision was taken by the hosts that they would not have been able to organise the event as was intended. It was on receipt of the aforementioned news that the Brazilian Federation (CBAt) apparently agreed to host the event in 2022, during the period, 2 – 6 June.
During the past week the president of the Administrative Council of CBAt, Wamir Leandro Motta Campos communicated to all national federations of The Pan American Athletics Association (APA) that the Championships were cancelled.
By letter dated 21 May 2022, Motta Campos communicated, “We have the duty to inform you that this Confederation will no longer hold the Pan American Championships in Under-20 Athletics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“The championships were scheduled for the period from June 2nd to June 6th, 2022, at the Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the support of the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
“We are deeply sorry. We started negotiations with the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro in February, but the public authorities – despite having announced and guaranteed the holding of the Pan American Games – have not managed to ensure the transfer of the necessary resources until today.“It is important to note that the low adhesion of subscribers was also decisive for the decision to be taken, since the value of the investment would not be consistent because it was the use of public resources.
“The APA was previously informed, through its president Marcos Oviedo, and through this instrument the CBAt confirms the decision to cancel the competition to all member countries.
“We apologize for the inconvenience caused.”
NACAC President, Mike Sands, communicated with the president of CONSUDATLE, Helio Gesta de Melo, also of Brazil, to get clarification on the matter of the sudden cancellation of the biennial competition.
Sands has expressed is disappointment with the cancellation. His concern is for those member federations that would have already purchased airline tickets for the Championships and the challenges they will face in seeking to obtain refunds from the airlines.
Around NACAC
The Bahamas
BAAA invites all of NACAC
The Bahamas Association of Athletics Associations (BAAA) has extended an invitation to NACAC athletes to join them on the occasion of their Youth, Junior, and Senior National Championships and Relay Carnival scheduled for the period 24 – 26 June. As 26 June is officially the final day to qualify for this year’s World Outdoor Championships in Oregon, the weekend will therefore be the last chance to qualify for both individual and relay events.
The Meet is planned to guarantee that all athletes will have an opportunity to compete in the heat as well as the finals of their respective events.
Queries should be directed to the Competitions Manager, Laura Pratt-Charlton, at [email protected], copied to Drumeco Archer – President ([email protected]) and Mabelene Miller – CEO ([email protected]).
Dominica
Former High Jumper Takes charge
Former national athlete and current record holder in the Men’s high jump, Brandan Williams, has been elected president of the Dominica Athletics Association at the elective general meeting of the organization on Saturday last. Chair of the Commonwealth Games Federation’s Advisory Committee and member of the Panam Sports Athletes Commission, Williams has already established himself as one of the leaders of sport in the international community even as he continues to attain academic excellence with the completion of his Masters’ programme in December of this year. He sits on the Executive Board of the Commonwealth Games Federation, faithfully and efficiently representing the athletes of the Commonwealth.
Strong in character and genuinely committed to the development of our sport and indeed, of sport, generally, across the Caribbean, Williams was urged by athletes and coaches alike to contest for the leadership position against two former presidents, Cedric Harris and Godwin Dorsette. The three- way contest saw Williams amass 13 of the available votes with Harris and Dorsette each receiving three, respectively.
Williams, who served on the previous executive as the athlete’s representative on the commitment “to develop athletes from a grassroots level, increase the number of technical officials in the sport and create pathways for athletes to pursue their athletic dreams abroad.”
He takes the helm of the association when the number of participants in the sport is dwindling and moves are being made by the government to develop the nation’s first synthetic track.
Mr. Williams implored all affiliates to “take ownership of the sport and come together for the development of the sport. We should cast aside all personal egos and work together for the development of our athletes to bring home that elusive first Olympic Medal.”
The full executive reads:
President – Brendan Williams Vice President – Walson Pacquette
General Secretary – Phillip R White Treasurer – Mitchel Davis
Asst. Gen. Secretary/Treasurer – Felicien Antoin Public Relations Officer – Natasha Jervier
Clubs’ Representative – Charles Joseph Schools’ Representative – Joel Hamilton
The elections to fill the positions of Male and Female Athletes representatives will take p/lace at the National Schools Championships, later this year.
El Salvador
Gloria Ramos elected vice-president of the Ibero-American Athletics Association
Gloria Ramos, President of the El Salvador Athletics Federation, gained the confidence of the entire membership of the Ibero-American Athletics Association, which convincingly elected her, Vice President of the organization. This endorsement of one of our women leaders in NACAC took place On Friday last, 20 May, in the Spanish city of Alicante, where the General Assembly of the Ibero-American Athletics Association was held.
Peruvian, Óscar Fernández, was re-elected President of the Ibero-American Athletics Association , with Enrique López Cuenca (Spain), Senior Vice President, Marco Antonio Luque (Bolivia), Vice President for Consudatle, Jorge Viera (Portugal), Vice President for the Iberian Peninsula, Bernardo Antonio Joao (Angola), Vice Presidenct for Africa, Luis Condeso (Peru), Secretary General, Patricia Martínez (Peru), Treasurer, and Juan Luis Cárter (Chile), Executive Member.
NACAC joins with the El Salvador member federation, and all of CADICA, in extending sincere congratulations to Gloria Ramos, on her latest achievement.
St Vincent and the Grenadines
TASVG in Queen’s Baton Relay 2022
Team Athletics St Vincent and the Grenadines (TASVG) featured in the quadrennial Queen’s Baton Relay when the National Olympic Committee (SVGOC) hosted its leg of the sporting spectacle.
TASVG’s participation included Technical Director, Chester Morgan, as well as athletes and other officials of the organization.
The event was organized by a sub committee of the SVGOC.
The Baton, which bears the message of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, arrived in St Vincent and the Grenadines from St Lucia, on Wednesday 18 May and was taken around the country over the next two days before being carried to Bermuda on Saturday 21 May.
Keith Joseph
P.O. Box 680, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines
Tel: (784) 457 9062 (H); (784) 457 2970 (O)
