THIS WEEK IN NACAC
12 September 2021
Elaine Thompson-Herah turns Olympic gold into World Athletics’ Diamond
Jamaica and NACAC’s Elaine Thompson-Herah, retained her remarkable form in the sprints this year and took home the title of winner of the Wanda Diamond League 100m Final in Zurich on Thursday last.
Thompson-Herah did not just win the premier event on the two-day finale to the season, but literally demolished the field, making light work of her opponents and posing a competition record time of 10.65.
The victory at the finals of the Wanda Diamond League caps an amazing year of the Jamaican athlete who has so dominated sprinting this year that comments are consistently being made comparing her with her countryman, Usain Bolt, and his dominance of the same sprint events for a period of time.
It is perhaps fortuitous that Thompson-Herah and Usain Bolt have come from the same Caribbean country, Jamaica. It was this small Caribbean island that produced Arthur Wint, who stormed to victory in the 800m at the Olympic Games of 1948 in London. Four years later, the Caribbean athletes from this same country left the world completely stunned with victory in the 4 x 400m relay at the Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland.
The Jamaican and Caribbean tradition in international athletics continues to this day, and evidenced at the Tokyo Olympics and the Wanda Diamond League of 2021.
NACAC Council Meeting
The NACAC Council convened on Thursday last, virtually, via Zoom.
The Council meeting heard reports from the Chairpersons of the several NACAC Commissions and Working Groups.
Of immense importance was the report of the Governance Commission, where the Constitution Review Working Group, informed of the pathway through to the submission of a final report for approval at the NACAC Congress in 2022.
NACAC is also preparing for a Special Congress before the end of 2021, to bring members appropriately up to date on developments within the organization and plans for 2022.
BNAA scholarship awards 2021
Suresh Black and Za’Kayza Parsons (photos attached) have been announced at the first winners of the Inaugural Bermuda National Athletic Association (BNAA) scholarships for the 2021/2022 academic year.
President of the BNAA, Donna Raynor, congratulated the recipient athletes and noted, “we are thrilled to be in a position to offer two scholarships and feel that both student athletes will be great ambassadors for the sport (both on and off the track) and their goals and plans align to the BNAA’s objectives for enhancing the sport in Bermuda.”
According to Raynor, “We saw this scholarship as a way to help bridge that gap and acknowledge our athletes that embody the essence of a well-rounded student athlete.”
Raynor further stated, “It is our hope that we can continue offering support to aspiring student athletes that have come through our program; provided that we have the funding to do so.” Each recipient has received a $5,000 award.
NACAC congratulates the athletes on winning the scholarships and commends the BNAA on achieving yet another milestone in its long and impressive history.
NACAC Half Marathon Postponed
NACAC officially announces the postponement of its Half Marathon Championships which were originally scheduled for Costa Rica.
Unfortunately, dialogue between the member federation (FECOA) and the Costa Rican government’s Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Sports, led to agreement on the postponement.
FECOA has submitted proposed dates for the event to be held in 2022. The NACAC Director of Competitions will advise both the Competitions Commission and the NACAC Council of an appropriate date in the Calendar for 2022.
Gender Leadership Conference: Representation of Women in Technical Official Roles
SAVE THE DATE! SAVE THE DATE! SAVE THE DATE! SAVE THE DATE!
Tuesday 28 September 2021
Language: English
Format: Zoom
NACAC is encouraging member federations to participate in the World Athletics online Gender Leadership Conference on the representation of women in officiating roles.
The Conference which will be held virtually via Zoom, will feature International Technical Officials (ITO) and Technical Officials (TO) speaking of their respective journeys and experiences. This will then be followed by discussions from a panel of experts.
According to World Athletics, the intention is “to get people thinking about the role of gender in Technical Officiating and the barriers that women have faced, but more importantly, the opportunities that are now available.
NACAC President, Mike Sands, is urging Member Federations “to have their women register and be part of the ongoing development opportunities on offer from World Athletics. We must seize on every opportunity to have our women involved in all aspects of our sport in the spirit of gender equity.”
Participants will be able to choose from 2 sessions:
10-12.00 Paris Time (French translation provided)
Opened by World Athletics Council Member Beatrice Ayikoru (UGA) and the moderator for the session is Yvonne Mullins (AUS), Executive Director, Oceania Athletics Association.
Keynote speakers ITO, Helen Roberts (AUS) and Technical Official, Leanne Chin (AUS), will deliver their inspirational stories of how they got where they are today and the hurdles they faced along the way.
ITO, Gemma Castaño-Vinyals (ESP), and International Starter, Jaya Mylvaganam (SGP), will also make presentations. Representing World Athletics will be Laurent Boquillet (FRA), Head of Global Development and Stephane Merlino (ITA) Senior Manager.
16-18.00 Paris Time (Spanish translation provided)
Chair of the Gender Leadership Taskforce, Stephanie Hightower (USA), will open the Session. The moderator for the session is Norrie Williamson (RSA), Race Organiser and Technical Official.
Keynote speakers and panellists are World Athletics Council Member, Anna Riccardi (ITA), ITO Claudia Schneck (BRA), Former ITO Esther Maynard (BAR). Again representing World Athletics will be Laurent Boquillet (FRA), Head of Global Development and Stephane Merlino (ITA) Senior Manager.
Please register your interest here: HERE
More details to follow!
REMEMBER: Join the WA Facebook page: Empowering Women in Athletics Facebook Page
Weekly Meetings
Wednesday 15 September
10.00am Miami Time – Weekly Meeting – Mike Sands, Michael Serralta, Chester Morgan, Garth Gayle and Keith Joseph
Keith Joseph
P.O. Box 680, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines
Tel: (784) 457 9062 (H); (784) 457 2970 (O)
