THIS WEEK IN NACAC
26 April 2021
NACAC makes major constitutional changes
NACAC came together for a very special Information Session on Saturday 24 April 32021, via Zoom. The Session focused on the major changes to the existing Constitution.
Saturday’s Session saw more than 45 delegates engage in discussions on the several amendments prepared by the NACAC Constitution Review Working Group, led by Robert Hersh, a former Vice President of the international governing body for the sport.
Saturday’s Session saw the delegated in attendance pour through the document article by article on each of the pages of the proposed revised constitution.
The revised document was already been reviewed by the NACAC Council at a special meeting convened on Thursday 18 February 2021.
Following the Special Information Session of last Saturday, the Working Group will meet and review all comments and proposed changes received from the delegates as well as other changes submitted by member federations. Another Special NACAC Information Session will again be convened to agree the amended version of the constitution.
The final amended NACAC Constitution will be placed on the Agenda of the NACAC Congress scheduled for 8 July 2020 in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Several of the delegates in attendance eagerly commended the NACAC Constitution Review Working Group for the excellent work that has been done in comprehensively reviewing the NACAC Constitution and the manner in which every effort was made to keep the member federations fully aware of all that has been taking place.
The full membership of the Constitution Review Working Group are: Robert Hersh (Chair), Abby Hoffman, Charles George, Drumeco Archer, O’Dayne Richards and Allan Ayala. Richards and Ayalla are representatives of the Athletes of NACAC.
President of NACAC, Mike Sands, expressed sincere gratitude to the dedication shown by the Working Group and the painstaking manner in which they went about their assignment.
Jamaica and NACAC lose a sprinting icon
Dennis Johnson is dead!
That’s the announcement coming out of Jamaica following the passing of Dennis Johnson, popularly known as DJ, who was ailing for some time.
Born in Jamaica in 1939, Johnson had the good fortune of studying at San Jose State College where his sprinting talent was enhanced by one of the most renowned of spring coaches, Bud Winter.
Competing in the colours of the West Indies Federation at the Pan American Games in Chicago, Illinois in 1959, Johnson finished third in the 100yards. He was a member of the 4 x 100yards West Indies Relay team.
Two years later, Johnson gained international prominence by equalling the then world record for the 100yards of 9.3secs on three occasions within a period of just six weeks.
Injury robbed him of medals in the 100yards and 220yards at the British Empire Games.
At the Tokyo Olympics, 1964, he was a member of the Jamaican 4 x 100m Relay team which failed to medal.
Finished with running, Johnson turned to coaching where he distinguished himself. He left a legacy at Jamaica’s College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), now U-Tech, where he started the sports programme that is today legendary.
Among DJ’s many honours was Jamaica’s Order of Distinction (OD) in 2001, the same year that he was inducted into the San Jose State Spartans Hall of Fame.
TEAM Jamaica Bickle (TJB) honoured DJ at its annual reception and awards in 2014, the same time that he received a United States House of Representatives Proclamation from the office of US Congresswoman, Yvette D Clarke, a New York State Assembly Citation from the office of Assemblyman, Nick Perry, and a New York City Council Citation from the office of Council Member, Jumaane D Williams.
Always jovial, DJ was a gift to the sport of track and field athletics.
NACAC extends sincere condolences to DJ’s immediate and extended family as well as to the entire athletics fraternity of Jamaica.
NACAC MFs urged to encourage participation in Global Conversation
Willie Banks, World Athletics Council Member, on Saturday, seized the opportunity offered by massive attendance at the NACAC Information Session to thank member federations of the Area for their engagement in the discussions taking place on the new World Plan for athletics.
Banks also encouraged member federations to reach out to stakeholders in their respective countries, urging them to participate in the Global Conversation phase currently in progress.
Already, more than 20,000 people, worldwide, have participated in the Global Conversation survey.
Banks advised member federations of the importance of engaging as many stakeholders as possible in the discussions on the World Plan.
20th Pan American Race Walking Cup – 7 May 2021
The 20th edition of the Pan American Race Walking Cup will now take place on 7 May in Guayaquil, Ecuador. This is necessitated by a Presidential Decree that imposes new restrictions of mobility and a curfew on weekends in that South American country.
Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico are the confirmed participating member federations in the Race Walking Cup.
Around NACAC
ESA
The Jorge “Mágico” González National Stadium in the Salvadorean capital city, San Salvador, was the home to exciting track and field action on Saturday and Sunday last.
The Salvadoran Athletics Federation convened its U13, U15, U-18 and Under 20 National Championships.
A total of 255 athletes from 20 national and international clubs participated in the 98 events, including 34 athletes from Guatemala and two (2) from Costa Rica.
Four new national records were established:
Lucía Castro Jiménez, Club Rasan – New U18 National Record in Hammer Throw (47.43m)
David Antonio Ayala, Betania Club – New U18 National Record in Hammer Throw (64.53m)
Ana Isabella González, Athletics Beans Club – New National Record U18 High Jump (1.65m)
Ana Isabella González, Athletics Beans Club – New National Record U18 Heptathlon (4025pts)
For complete results visit the website:
https://atletismoelsalvador.revsys.net/Evento.aspx?eve=41
Also images on our Facebook fan page: (Some photos courtesy of INDES):
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=atletismo.elsalvador.3&set=a.4595690393780833
JAM
Jamaican junior athletes have been engaged in keen competition in preparation for the Boys and Girls Champions, after an absence of one year, due to the pandemic.
In the most recent competitions, Aalliyah Francis of Rusea’s High in Jamaica, produced a 23.96 to win the Class 1 for girls.
Alesia Douglas of St Jago High, won the 1500m in the same class in a time of 2:15.46, finishing just ahead of school-mate, Sancia Smith who achieved a time of 2:15.97
In the Boys Class 1 competition, Javari Thomas of Jamaica College clocked 21.18 in his 200m victory while Orlando Wint achieved 21.81 in winning the Class 2 equivalent.
TTO
Trinidad and Tobago’s Commonwealth Games 2018 gold medallist, Jereem Richards,
was 1st in the 200m at the Oregon Relays, Saturday 24 April, in a season best of 20.26.
VIN
Mikeisha Welcome bettered her national record for the Triple Jump over the weekend when posting 13.60m on three of her six jumps. Welcome was competing at the John Jacobs Invitational on Saturday 24 April.
St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Uroy Ryan, competing for Jamaica College, leapt to victory in the Class 1 Long Jump. His performance of 7.33m established a new national record for U-20 boys.
2018 Carifta 800m U-17 gold medallist, Handal Roban, competing for Jamaica College, ran a personal best of 3:56.99 while finishing second in the 1500m.
Final Notice of JOB OPPORTUNITY IN NACAC
Applications for the position of NACAC Director of Coaches and Camps the Secretariat had been in receipt of only one application. Member federations that may yet have applicants in waiting NACAC have until 30 April 2021 to make their submissions.
NACAC Director, Coaches and Camps – Job Description
The Director, Coaches and Camps will report directly to the CEO
Overview
The Director, Coaches and Camps will be the main point of contact for World Athletics and Member Federations regarding all programmes under the CECS, the organisation of Camps and related activities.
He/she will be responsible for ascertaining the region’s coaching development needs and organising the appropriate activities, as well as establishing and maintaining good communication links with all NACAC Member Federations and other appropriate organisations and individuals.
The Director, Coaches and Camps will be based in his/her home country but shall travel as required for the proper implementation of the planned activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Production of a quadrennial programme of activities designed to meet the needs of NACAC and its national federations.
- Contribute to the annual NACAC Business Plan, budget estimates and annual activity calendar in consultation with the Director of Competitions and TOECS activities and the CEO
- Ensuring the roll out of two (2) World Athletics key initiatives: Kids’ Athletics and eLearning.
- Contribute to the World Athletics Annual Completion Report (financial report) twice a year or as requested.
- Ensure Activity/Seminar report forms and CECS Course report forms are collected and submitted to World Athletics and NACAC.
- Ensure the World Athletics database is regularly updated with NACAC Area Development activity data and Member Federation CECS course results.
- Regular submissions to the NACAC Development Website.
- Providing help and assistance to Area MFs regarding their educational needs.
- Monitor and evaluate NACAC programmes under his/her mandate
- Liaise with the Treasurer on all financial transactions in relation to the World Athletics development grant.
- Assist the CEO in seeking additional funding and or partnerships for NACAC.
Skills and Experience
- Management and organisational experience in athletics
- Strong communication skills
- Good knowledge of financial management and fund-raising
- Knowledge of CECS and lecturers in the NACAC region
Languages and IT
- Proficient in both English and Spanish
- Strong computer skills
Educational Background
- University Degree or Higher Education, preferably in Physical Education and/or Sports Management.
- Teaching experience, preferably in areas such as coaching, officiating or sports Administration.
Remuneration
- Negotiable
Applications
- All applications must be sent to:
The NACAC Secretariat
Email address: [email protected]
Weekly Meetings
Monday 26 April
11.00am – ECT – Fortnightly meeting with WA Development Department
7.00pm ECT – Meeting of LOC, Carifta2022, Guyana
Wednesday 28 April
10.00am ECT – Weekly Meeting – Mike Sands, Michael Serralta and Keith Joseph
Thursday 29 April
10.00am ECT – NACAC’s leadership will meet with a representative of COPA Airlines to discuss a possible relationship between the two organisations
3.00pm ECT – NACAC’s leadership meeting with USATF’s Duffy Mahoney to discuss the New Life Invitational for 2021 and advance the prospects for the NACAC Circuit for 2022.
