By Rawle Toney

GUYANA’s Aliann Pompey was yesterday, named on the World Olympians Association and will serve as the Executive Committee Member, representing female athletes in the Americas.

Pompey, a four-time Olympian (London 2012, Beijing 2008, Athens 2004, Sydney 2000), was voted ahead of Freida Nicholls of Barbados at the World Olympians Association General Assembly, which was done virtually.

The aim of the 2020 World Olympians Association General Assembly was to provide a platform for members to share knowledge and highlight the benefits of the World Olympians Association strengthened role as an institution, while ensuring National Olympic Associations are equipped with the information and tools needed to operate and work to their full capacity in their own countries.

The Assembly also heard about the development of a new strategic plan that will map out World Olympians Association’s priorities for the next four years.

“I’m just really grateful for the support I’ve received, especially from the other Member countries that voted for this position in the elections and I look forward to working with each of them; making sure the continued progress and success of the Americas is noted internationally,” Pompey told Chronicle Sport in an invited comment.

The St John’s University Coach said she’s happy to be the representative for female athletes in the Americas on the prestigious association, adding that during her tenure, she will “make ensure the voice of the Americas is heard and counted at the World Olympians Association decision table and that means maintaining regular conversations with regional stakeholders as well as understanding their unique needs and vision.”

According to Pompey, will also “continue the work of fostering unity within the region, using all available resources and connections to achieve the goals on our regional wish-list and making sure our Olympians are routinely aware of opportunities available to them.”

Pompey, who also serves as the president of the Pan Am Sports Athletes Commission, received the support of the Guyana Olympic Association.

President of the GOA, K.A Juman Yassin, said Pompey’s position on the World Olympians Association is a huge accomplishment for Guyana, taking the importance of the Association into consideration.

This year’s World Olympians Association was opened with a special video message from Patron and five-time Olympian HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, who welcomed National Olympic Associations to the online Assembly.

Joël Bouzou, who was voted to return as president of the World Olympians Association, updated members on the growth and development of the organization since the previous General Assembly in 2015.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President and World Olympians Association Honorary President Thomas Bach and IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell also addressed attendees, underlining the strength of the partnership between the two organisations and highlighted future collaborations at both a national and international level including at next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games.

During the previous World Olympians Association General Assembly in Moscow in 2015, the Executive Committee was expanded and a new World Olympians Association Constitution was passed.

Since that time World Olympians Association has made significant strides, expanding its network of National Olympic Associations and enhancing its ability to serve and empower Olympians through initiatives like the post-nominal letters now used by over 13,500 Olympians worldwide, the National Olympic Associations development and projects Grants Programmes, the Olympians Health Survey and the award-winning Olympic House (formerly known as the Olympians Reunion Centre) at Games-time.