CONTENTS EDITION 5 VOLUME 2. NACAC President Lopez Message

Transcription

1 NACAC President Lopez Message CONTENTS President Message General Secretary Report... 5 Development Manager Report 8 WALA Report As always it is a great pleasure to communicate with the NACAC Athletics Family and although a lot have been accomplished, as always, things could be better, everything is fine for the first half of the Slowly those countries and territories affected by the hurricanes Harvey, Jose, Irma and Maria are recovering but for sure the impact was so strong that things will never be the same. Although practically all the countries and territories are using the experience to renovate or reconstruct practically everything specially the infrastructure and utility systems such as electricity, roads, hotels, water supplies systems, sewers, schools, hospitals and the agricultural industry. However, despite all the challenges that our people faced from CADICA.. 13 Pan Am Combined Events Cup & Mentorship Seminar 15 Upcoming Events 16 NACAC Sponsors. 17 1

2 September 2017 until now, they have stayed strong, and united becoming a human force determined to be strong as ever or even stronger. Regarding Athletics, our beloved sport in our Area, Region and Hemisphere, the Member Federations have been very busy and have maintained their competition programs and have been participating in all the different competitions, championships and multi sports games like the Commonwealth Games and soon, the CAC Games in Barranquilla But the most significant thing which does not come as a surprise to me is the performances that have been produced by our athletes in all the categories. In many cases the performances of our athletes are among the best of the world and, in a number of cases, our athletes are leading the world. The fact is that all this progress and development is not by chance since, it is the product of the great coaches that we have all over the Area, the leadership and commitment from our MFs and their governments and the dedication of our athletes which in many cases are supported by their communities, clubs and parents. The above paragraph leads me to point out that, as leaders, we need to make sure that our top athletes participate in our major championships and Games, such as the CAC Games where our sport will be held from July 29 to August 3 and then in the NACAC Senior (Open) Championships in Toronto, Canada from August 10-12, Also, the Americas hemisphere will be represented in the IAAF Continental Cup that is going to be held September 8-9, 2018 in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia. We expect to bring to Ostrava a very strong team to challenge teams, Europe, Africa and Asia/Oceania. Therefore, we encourage our top athletes to be available to represent the Americas at the IAAF Continental Cup. 2

3 Championships and Cup held in Ottawa, Canada, by the way, this will be the seventh year that Ottawa organized this event, which has grown in participation from youth level to our top CE athletes, a Seminar was held for both Athletes and Coaches conducted by Master Coach Harry Marra (USA) from July 1-6. As you all know, the Area Development Program which is now under the total control of the NACAC area is operating quite well and a number of activities have been held during this first six months. One very important factor involving our development strategy is to take the activities to all our Member Federations and so far, we had activities in Grenada (Event Presentation and Public Announcer Seminar), Trinidad and Tobago (Meet Management Seminar), Dominican Republic (IAAF Level 2 RWJ Course) and a number of Level 1 Technical Officials Courses in different countries. The number of activities for the second half of the year is very attractive and the NACAC Development Department Manager, Professor Luis Roberto Reeves will be communicating with all the members in due time to give you more information. I would like to highlight that during the Pan Am and NACAC Combined Events Then during the NACAC Area Championships in Toronto, Canada there will be a NACAC Coaches Conference from August 8 to August 11 with the participation of top master coaches as presenters and lecturers. The Conference will be organized in partnership with the University of Toronto, Athletics Canada and NACACTFCA. I would like to remind our members that the new IAAF ranking system to be used to select the participants for the next World Championships in Doha 2019 and 3

4 the next Olympic Games in Tokyo, 2020 is already in effect and the system is based on points awarded from the performances and the participation of our athletes in the different championships and competitions. For example, the Area Championships has high amount of points, as the Diamond League, Challenge League, Area Permit Meetings, national championships, etc. Adding all the points accumulated by the athlete(s) in the different competitions the IAAF will do the selection of the athletes for the WC and OG. Therefore, I would like to encourage all our Member Federations to send their best athletes to Toronto for the NACAC Championships since they will be accumulating valuable points for the ranking. As I said, this is extremely important in order to make sure that our athletes accumulate the amount of points necessary to be ranked as high as possible. Finally, in compliance with the IAAF mandate that all the Continental Areas and Member Federations align their constitutions with the new 2019 IAAF Constitution, the NACAC AA has appointed an Athletes Commission which is a requirement under the new Constitution. The NACAC AA Athletes Commission is composed of the following athletes: Jeff Porter (USA), Kim Collins (St. Kitts & Nevis), Michael Frater (Jamaica), Yipsi Moreno (Cuba), Sharolyn Scott (Costa Rica), Kendy Maricela Rosales (Honduras), Kineke Alexander (St. Vincent & The Grenadines) and Member Ex Officio, Iñaki Gomez from Canada who is the Chairman of the IAAF Athletes Commission. The Commission will have its first meeting on August 9th, 2018 just before the start of the NACAC Area Championships in Toronto. Besides Gomez, Collins and Frater are members of the IAAF Athletes Commission. In Toronto the Commission will appoint its Chairperson who automatically will become a member of the NACAC AA Executive Council with voice but no vote. We encourage all NACAC MFs to do the same since this is an IAAF mandate. My best wishes to all for the rest of the season and hopefully we will see you in Toronto. 4

5 NACAC General Secretary Report BY Michael Serralta We are half way through the season and it has been delightful to see the new talent perform in an outstanding manner. Our Area Permit Meetings started off with the Grenada Invitational and we have completed six APM s up to the Jamaica Racers Grand Prix. The results of these meets have been providing us with a preview of what to expect at our premier event closing out the season, NACAC Senior Championships in Toronto, Canada. At our Premier Event, The NACAC Senior Championships look forward to seeing impressive results. Some of the new stars of 2018 that we expect to be present are: Arron Brown (CAN) 100m. Juan M. Echevarría (CUB) 8.66m Long Jump Rai Benjamin (ANT) 47.02s in 400m hurdles Aleia Hobbs (USA) 10.90s in 100m. Elaine Thompson (JAM) 10.93s in 100m. 5

6 We will have a showdown in several events in this championship. Our NACAC Development Department, established after our first seminar in Grenada for event presentation and announcers, have since celebrated the TOECS IARWJ Level II Course with a very large participation and has provided support for a Meet Managers Course in Trinidad & Tobago. we are back on track with full support to all our Member Federations. Our staff is committed to continue providing guidance to all Member Federations and to improve the quality and knowledge of officials and coaches which will eventually pay off with better training methods and create better results throughout our region. Regarding our office obligations with IAAF and Member Federations things have improved greatly after the hurricanes and The 2 nd quarter ended with the site visit to the city of Toronto, Canada where our NACAC Senior Championship will close out the season. We spent two days in meetings with Ms. Nicole Clarke and Chris Reid discussing the Organizational and Technical aspects of the Championships. 6

7 During the visit Canada Athletics and the city of Toronto staged the official proclamation announcement of the event where our President, Prof. Victor López expressed details of the NACAC Senior Championships and, together with city officials as well as the President of the Local Organizing Committee from Canada, invited everyone to the event. Nathan Phillips Square at city hall served as the backdrop of a showcase for several track and field events even including kid s athletics. Athletes ambassadors, NACAC Executive Council and LOC President during the Press conference A complete track and field set-up set up by MONDO partners took over the area of the NACAC President during the Outdoors Press Conference in Toronto launching the NACAC Senior Championships Nathan Phillips for the public that was present to enjoy. Three events where celebrated in the square bringing Track and Field to the people. 7

8 NACAC Development Department Report By Luis Roberto Reeves As all our Member Federations know, I was appointed by the NACAC Council Members in their meeting last February 4, 2018 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to occupy the NACAC Development Department Manager position. For me it is a pleasure to return to collaborate with the IAAF NACAC family since I was the first Director of the San Juan RDC from 1991 to 1996 and I was also an IAAF Lecturer from 1989 to From March 1, 2018 to date I have been collaborating, getting acquainted in all matters related to the Development Program of NACAC and the IAAF. It is an honor to be part of a team composed by Prof. Víctor López, President and IAAF Council Member, Prof. Michael Serralta, General Secretary, Ms. Soleil Maria Thon, Executive Assistant, Mrs. Evelyn Claudio, President of the NACAC Women s Commission, and myself as Manager Development Department working with other professionals in every activities related to Track and Field, Road Races and Combined Events in NACAC. As part of the team, I am working with the 2018 Development calendar which was already prepared, and the following activities had been taken care of: March 9-11, 2018 the Events Presentation and Public Announcer Seminar held in Grenada for English speaking countries. The venue was the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in St. George, Grenada. The Lecturers where Andrew Kay (GBR), Paul 8

9 Swangard (USA) and Wilson Morales (PUR). Thirteen (13) participants from five (5) countries. The president of Grenada Olympic Committee was part of the inauguration ceremony. There were theoretical and practical sessions. The practical session took place in an actual competition, the Ariza National Track and Field Championships. June 5-12, 2018 IAAF TOECS IARWJ Level II Course, held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in English and Spanish. The venue was the Albergue Olímpico Dominicano, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Lecturers where Cándido Vélez (PUR) and Gary Westerfield (USA). There where twenty-five (25) participants from nine (9) countries. The Coaching related courses like CECS Level II and Level III Lecturers Refreshers course have been changed by the IAAF during the last months of the year to get a better orientation on the new three levels syllabus and philosophy which will be implemented the IAAF/NACAC program. NACACTFCA Coaches event is still on schedule for August. Regarding the World Youth / Junior Camp we are evaluating the final arrangements with Monaco to take the proper administrative action with our young athletes during the month of December with their coaches. Further information will be sent to you as soon as possible. And regarding our Women in Athletics Program, after a few changes of the venue and dates, it is on schedule for November 15-18, 2018 and will be hosted in the Hotel Catalonia (former Hilton) located in the Malecón area in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. We, as part of the office team in NACAC AA are counting with our Members Federations to get involved in all aspects of the Development Program. That is why we will be sending periodically some questionnaires to survey the specific needs of each federation which will be used to prepare and plan to facilitate and promote the activities you need to serve our youth and constituents in the NACAC area, an important component part of the IAAF Family. Let us continue with effective communication. Regards. 9

10 WOMEN ATHLETICS LEADERS IN THE AMERICAS REPORT (WALA) By Evelyn López and eleven (11) Treasurers which constitutes 32% of the 29 MFs leadership roles are in the hands of women. This does not include women active members of WALA such as Lucretia Warner Burns from Trinidad and Tobago and Heathlene Wyke from Dominica. Lucretia Warner Burns (TTO) In compliance with the IAAF Guidelines to promote leadership among new female for the 2019 and 2023 elections, our organization, Women Athletic Leaders in the Americas (WALA) have been very active, not only identifying new leaders but using a Mentorship Program based on the individual needs. Research have been done regarding inclusion and we are very proud to be the world leaders in the number of females actively participating in the decision-making processes as members of the NACAC Area Athletics Federations Board of Directors. A research done by WALA of the Annual 2017 Reports to the IAAF reports awesome statistics: Nine (9) female presidents, five (5) Vice presidents, twelve (12) General Secretaries Heathlene Wyke (DMA) 10

11 Although in 2017 we reported the accomplishments and achievements of most of our objectives in the WALA Strategic Plan , we changed the topic of our annual meeting in order to address the immediate needs of 10 of our Member Federations which were devastated by hurricanes Irma, María and José. Now we are organizing the 8 th Women Athletics Leaders in the Americas (WALA) Seminar to be held at the Hotel Catalonia (former Hilton) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on November 15th to 18th, An IAAF/NACAC Solidarity Relief Fund Project is in its second stage and most of our developing athletes were able to prepare for and participate in the 2018 CARIFTA Games and other regional competitions and championships. Our warmest gratitude for the support of the IAAF and its President, Lord Sebastian Coe and Helen Delany, and to NACAC President, Prof. Víctor López. Since, as Chairperson of WALA, I have been actively participating in the IAAF Gender Equity and Equality Task Force meetings held in Bahrain, Birmingham and Lebanon and some of our WALA members have been in leadership seminars sponsored by 11

12 the IAAF held in London, our 2018 Leadership Seminar Program will follow the guidelines and objectives of the IAAF and will certainly prepare our female leaders for the 2019 and 2023 IAAF election process. Meanwhile, we must continue using our publications to motivate both female and male participation in Athletics, help our Member Federations improve their governance skills by using the Financial Template prepared by WALA to guarantee transparency and help Member Federations prepare their annual reports with accuracy and based on statistical or scientific research. Our goals in 2018 is to help the IAAF in the Anti-Doping Education and continue the Mentorship Program. In 2019 our goal is to pass the baton and leave a legacy for our new female leaders! I look forward to seeing you on November 15-18, 2018 at the Hotel Catalonia in the Dominican Republic! 12

13 CADICA U18 & U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS By Carlos Clemente San Salvador, El Salvador Jun. 1 3, 2018 After Panama declined the event, El Salvador took the challenge of organizing the Central American U18 & U20 Championship 2018, and organized them in less than 2 months, with the presence of the 7 countries of Central America and more than 250 athletes plus 100 officials. Eleven (11) Central American Youth Records were broken: in the Heptathlon U18 Women; Walk, 2000 Steeplechase, Javelin Throw, Hammer Throw U18 Male; 3000 meters, 5000 meters, Walk U20 Women; 400 meters, 800 meters and Walk U20 Men's. The event was held in 3 days and 5 sessions from Friday to Sunday and included more than 100 events in the U18 and U20 categories for boys and girls. El Salvador was crowned overall champion with 32 gold medals, 22 silver medals and 25 bronze medals for a total of 79 medals, Costa Rica was second place with 24 Golds, 20 Silver and 14 Bronzes for 58 medals and Guatemala the third place with 14 Golds, 22 Silver and 22 Bronze for 58 medals. 13

14 Complete results in the El Salvador Federation website: ento.aspx?eve=10 More pictures in the El Salvador Federation FACEBOOK FANPAGE 14

15 Ottawa was proud to host their annual Pan American Combined Events Cup taking place July 3-4 at the Terry Fox Athletics Facility at Mooney s Bay. A fixture on the IAAF World Combined Events Challenge Series, the Pan American Combined Events Cup brings together the best hepathletes and decathletes in the Western Hemisphere. Richie Mercado (USA) was the Technical Delegate and Javier Clavelo performed as the public announcer. In addition, APA coordinated a Combined Events Mentorship Seminar with Harry Marra, who has over 48 years of experience in athletics, conditioning, athletic performance, youth physical fitness and Higher. Education teaching and coaching, traveled extensively around the world, representing the USA with many athletes. Marra was available on at the Terry Fox Facility to observe warmups and preparation and to interact with athletes and coaches along with evening interactive sessions. We held morning discussion sessions of Combined Events Training and Competition Preparation and he discussed long term training and preparation for major championships for combined events coaches and athletes. Special thank you to the Host Organizing Committee (Meet Director), Ryan Rowat. /2018/Championships/ 15

16 UPCOMING EVENTS NACAC Coach Conference August 8 11, 2018 Toronto, Canada NACAC Senior Area Championships August 10-12, 2018 Toronto, Canada NACAC Athletes Commission Meeting August 9, 2018 Toronto, Canada IAAF Continental Cup September 8 9, 2018 Ostrava, Czech Republic Women Athletics Leaders of the Americas Leadership Seminar November 15 19, 2018 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 16

17 IAAF-NACAC Area Association Thank you to our sponsors Sports & Recreation Department of Puerto Rico Sector Buenos Aires 2 Calle Los Angeles Final San Juan, Puerto Rico PO Box 4770 Carolina, Puerto Rico nacac.iaaf.sanjuan@gmail.com Office (939) Mobile (787)