Guyana Olympic Association establishes Athletes’ Commission
The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has formed the long-awaited Athletes’ Commission, comprised of athletes who represented Guyana in multi-sport Games, Regional Games and/or participated in National Championships within the past eight (8) years.
The Commission aims to ensure the viewpoints of athletes are placed at the heart of the Guyana Olympic Associations decisions, serve as an effective link between athletes and the GOA.
Part of the Mission Statement also includes maximising support and lobbying for increased participation of athletes of Guyana through Olympic Solidarity and other programmes.
Tiffany Solomon, Rondel McArthur and Joshua Griffith were appointed to the steering committee in early 2020 and have been working since to draft the Constitution which will form the framework of the Commission.
On May 16 a meeting was convened to select the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson to lead this new Commission.
Nine of the 15 nominees attended and voted in Olympian Chelsea Edghill as chairperson and Joshua Griffith as Vice-Chairperson.
Athletes expressed joy at the formation of the long-awaited athlete’s commission, stating that athletes who go to the games and know first-hand the challenges they face will now have an opportunity to be heard.
They noted that if they work together, collectively, across all of the sports disciplines, changes can be made from the athletes’ perspective.
The executive members of the GOA welcomed the members of the Commission and urged them to meet as soon as possible to start working. They were told that the resources of the GOA are at their disposal. They were also reminded that, while doing the work of the Commission, they represent all athletes.
Under the soon-to-be-adopted updated Constitution of the GOA, a representative of the Athletes Commission sits on the Executive Committee, two (2) Representatives are included among the Members of the Association and attend Council Meetings and the Commission is entitled to one (1) vote for the election of Officers of the Association.
Ms. Aliann Pompey OLY, four time Olympian and President of the Panam Sports Athlete Commission said, “I know first-hand the effort and hard work that went into making this day happen. It’s a critical step for athletes in Guyana; the implications cannot be over-stated. Thanks to the GOA for staying with this process to the end. Congratulations to Chelsea, the Commission Chair.”
The establishment of the Athletes’ Commission is an exciting accomplishment and the members of the executive look forward to working with them for the benefit of the athletes.
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