Maria Emma Gaviria elected World Archery Americas President

“Thank you for trusting me,” said Maria Emma Gaviria after the presidential ballot. “Together we will make archery one of the biggest sports in the Americas.”

Twenty-six of the 29 member associations of World Archery Americas were present or represented by proxies at the organisation’s General Assembly in Rosario, Argentina on 20-21 October.

During the early session delegates analysed and approved a new constitution – which, among other changes, officially changed the name of the continental federation to World Archery Americas.

Secretary General Sergio Font then presented reports on development programmes, events and finances.

The last year saw a remarkable increase in the number of coaching seminars run. Among the course in the region were three missions n the English-speaking Caribbean.

World Archery Americas awarded coaches Richard Priestman, Filippo Clini and Ivan Yotov plaquettes of recognition for their valuable contributions to youth development programmes over the last two years.

A special award was presented to World Archery and the Pan American Sports Organization for their support in 2014.

Next year’s continental World Ranking Events were selected. The second Pan-American Games qualifier will be held in Santo Domingo in March, while Chile (February), USA (April) and Mexico (June) will also hold ranking tournaments.

Mexico will also host the second Pan-American University Cup in Tijuana.

Following Maria Emma Gaviria’s unopposed election to the World Archery Americas presidency, Argentina’s Estanislao Osores and Jose Miguel Robio from the Dominican Republic were voted in as Vice Presidents.

Al Wills (CAN), Effy Sanchez (MEX) and William Smith (CHI) completed the Council as members.

Several committees were selected. Juan Rene Serrano, three-time Olympian from Mexico, became chair of the America’s athletes’ committee.

World Archery Secretary General Tom Dielen had an encouraging closing message for the General Assembly delegates: “America is becoming a leader in archery.”

“Remember to work together, in the same direction and continue to unite as family throughout the future to achieve more great things.”

“I wish you all the best.”

The World Archery Americas General Assembly took place at the start of the Pan-American Archery Championships, which run this week in Rosario, Argentina.