In one country after another NACAC member federations held celebratory activities in response to the call to action from the NACAC Gender Leadership Working Group.

In some countries the member federation teams up with their respective National Olympic Committees to observe the annual event. Some held walks while other had races and still others had individuals doing a one hour physical activity session

In the Caribbean, several member federations and their Olympic Committees joined forces in support of the appeal made by the Women’s Commission of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees.

Excellent participation around NACAC speaks to the commitment of the member federations.

The coordinated approach on the part of our Gender Leadership Working Group highlights the significant work that is being undertaken in the face of the COVID-9, where we are making sure that the sport of athletics gets the better of the dreaded pandemic. BAH, BER, BVI, CAN, CAY, CUR, ESA, HAI, LCA, MNT, NCA, TTO, USA and VIN were among the member federations that held IWD activities, details of which can be found on our NACAC website.

The Working Group’s activities for IWD is also a reflection of the NACAC Area’s continued commitment to World Athletics which, this year, is observing one full week of activities to mark the occasion.

NACAC expresses its most sincere gratitude to its member federations for your solidarity with women across the world. Let us continue the march for greater recognition of girls and women.

ESA wins the challenge

The member federation of El Salvador emerged from the Conciliation Hearing with flying colours.

On Saturday, 6 March the Court of Discipline, Ethics and Appeals of Sport of El Salvador, convened the conciliatory hearing between Aldo Kentaro Fujiwara Salazar and Carmen Eugenia Palomo Pacas and the current members of the Board of Directors of the federation – Gloria Elizabeth Ramos de Henríquez, Ruth Daniela González de Zas, Carlos Rigoberto Clemente Flores and José René Navas Urías. This matter was pending following the conclusion of the elections in the latter part of 2020.

The  Court of Discipline, Ethics and Appeals of Sport of El Salvador ruled that the three (3) members of the Board of Directors elected at the Extraordinary General Assembly of 24 October 2020, for the period 2021-2024 would retain their positions. These are

• President: Gloria Elizabeth Ramos de Henríquez
• General Secretary: Carlos Rigoberto Clemente Flores
• Treasurer: José René Navas Urías.

The  Court also ruled that the positions of the Vice President and three (3) members, will be elected in accordance with the decision of the members in attendance at the Extraordinary General Assembly agreement of 24 October 2020. The elections for the aforementioned positions will take place in April 2021.

The ruling of the Court brings to an end the challenge that was initially made to the elections of 24 October 2021, leaving the executive elected at the time in full control of the federation.

World Athletics leads the way

World Athletics continues to play a major role in confronting the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is one of the highlights of the most recent meeting of WA President, Seb Coe, with Area Association Presidents which took place on Tuesday 2 March 2021.

President Coe highlighted the several activities WA has undertaken in its attempt to keep the sport, not just alive, but at the forefront of international sporting organisations.

Several competitions have already been held with strict adherence to the constantly emerging health protocols and the athletes, eager for competition, have shown their continued preparation with the establishment of outstanding performances, including new world records.

Tuesday’s meeting heard of the different approaches being undertaken by the Area Associations to maintain our sport’s relevance and appeal to the youths of the world.

President Coe remains confident that the Tokyo Olympics will take place as planned later this year and that our sport will once more emerge as the event’s most attractive of all on display.

Given the relentless work of the Area Associations World Athletics will continue to be the world’s leading sport for individuals.

Bahamian athletes achieve standards

Even in the face of numerous challenges that our athletes face during the pandemic, NACAC member  federations are with World Athletics is ensuring that our sport retains its high profile.

Some Bahamian athletes have been sufficiently serious about their training and preparation for the new season that they have already attained the standards set by the member federation.

Already Megan Moss (400m-53.65) and Antoine Andrews (110mH-14.01) have qualified for Carifta, Pan Am Juniors and World Juniors with their respective performances.

Carifta qualifiers to date also include Calea Jackson (U-17-Discus), Rhema Otabor and Carnitra Mackey (U-20-Jav), Carlos Brown Jr (U-17-100m),, Kaden Cartwright (U-17-400m), Nathan Duncan and Christopher Saintus (U-20-1500m), Tarajh Hudson (U-20-Discus) and Keyshawn Strachan (U-20-Jav).

Keyshawn Strachan (Jav), Wendell Miller (400m) and  Antoine Andrews have qualified for the Pan Am Juniors.

From the Technical Department

Good news is emerging from NACAC’s Technical Department.

NACAC is already advertising the position for a Director for Coaches and Camps. We are all hopeful for the employment of an individual – male or female – with the requisite skills and eager to help us build the brand.

International Area Technical Officials for competitions for 2021 have already been designated and are in receipt of their letters of appointment.

World Athletics Development Department continues to do great work in preparing the elearning platform for enhancing the education programmes of the organisation, especially in respect of the CECS and TOECS.

Stay tuned for further developments

JOB OPPORTUNITY IN NACAC

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]

URGENT REMINDER…URGENT REMINDER…URGENT REMINDER

NACAC is urgently reminding member federations to participate in the World Athletics World Plan consultation process, which started in late February and runs through to the end of April. We are encouraging you to respond to the Member Federation specific survey. It is your opportunity to have a major input into the decision-making process of your international federation, the world leader in sport.

The World Plan for Athletics 2022-2030 will be our major guide for the growth and development of Athletics. You must be a part of this exciting period in our sport.

The final approval of the Plan prepared after the consultations have taken place will be when you sit at the Congress and vote in November 2021.

The survey is available in English, Spanish and French and you only have to do it once for your member federation.

ANOTHER URGENT REMINDER – MF ANNUAL REPORT

NACAC is once more bringing to the attention of all of our members the challenge we have given ourselves as an Area Association

The Circular from World Athletics sent by email dated 18 January 2021, served notice of the requirement of submitting your MF 2020 Annual Report. Please note that while World Athletics has set its deadline for submission of the 2020 Annual Report  as 31 March 2021, NACAC is calling upon all of its members to help us become the first Area of the World Athletics to accomplish 100% fulfilment of the requirement, no later than 21 March, 10 days ahead of the stipulated deadline.

We can do this!!!

Weekly Meetings

Monday 8 March

6.00pm AST – Meeting of the LOC, Carifta Games 2021

7.00pm (ECT) – Weekly meeting of the LOC, Carifta Games 2022

Tuesday 9 March

8.00pm ECT – NACAC Development Commission Meeting

Wednesday 10 March

10.00am ECT – Weekly Meeting – Mike Sands, Michael Serralta and Keith Joseph