News from the NOCs -- ANOCA Support Increases, Three Presidents Re-elected

Olympic Solidarity to Increase ANOCA Support

Olympic Solidarity promised to expand its annual support to the African National Olympic Committees (ANOCA). The announcement was made at ANOCA’s meeting in Kampala, Uganda over the weekend.

"The Olympic Solidarity promised to increase its package by 25 percent of its annual package to every member state to enable a success in the preparation of both the Singapore and London Olympic Games," Rwandan NOC secretary general Freddy Somayire said.

Olympic Solidarity is a program designed to develop sport throughout the world.

ANOCA also expressed a desire for Olympic Solidarity to assume a greater role in preparing sports officials before all major international sporting events.

Solomon Islands Leader Accused of Corruption

Associate members of the Solomon Islands NOC (SINOC) have accused the president of corrupting the organization.

Daniel Fa’alimae of the archery federation accused newly-appointed President Fred Maetoloa of financial impropriety, saying thousands of dollars allotted to the SINOC for the Commonwealth Games is unaccounted for.

“These are serious issues,” Fa’alimae was quoted in the Solomon Star. “They cost the dreams of the youths of this nation in sport. The federations discussed that official investigation will be made available and a court order to audit all payments approved by Fujiyama [the vice president of solidarity],” he said.

Fa’alimae also demanded receipts for Olympic Solidarity funds that are also unaccounted for.

“These are serious matters they must answer to all associate members. No corruption shall be covered, the federations want action and the law to decide on it,” Fa’alimae said.

Trinidad & Tobago Pledge No Athlete Funding Cuts

The president of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) said the NOC would not cut funding for athlete development for the 2012 Olympics.

Larry Romany made the announcement on Tuesday saying certain areas of the NOC’s budget would be cut.

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) President Larry Romany said the NOC would not cut funding for athlete development for the 2012 Olympics.(Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee)"Even as we review our (TTOC) expenditure and look at ways to belt tighten, I am clear that the financial support that our athletes require cannot be compromised. The cost of winning a medal has not and will not fall. The TTOC will need to be more creative and innovative. Administratively we are restructuring to ensure that we improve our efficiency."

The four-year plan for the TTOC includes improving athlete performance at major international sporting events ahead of the London Games.

"We have to develop, select and prepare teams for the menu of events along the pathway” Romany said. "It is a challenge that cannot intimidate the TTOC. But it does call for creativity and innovation. With all that is going on globally and in the country, our vision must remain ambitious and our self confidence high."

Montenegrin Olympic Committee Re-Elects Simonovic to Presidency

The Montenegrin Olympic Committee re-elected Dusan Simonovic president by a large margin at its assembly on Nov. 23.

Simonovic won the votes of 52 of the 55 delegates, with one delegate abstaining and two ballots invalid.

Dragomir Becanovic, Simonovic’s lone opponent, withdrew his candidacy during the session.

Zorica Kovacevic and Andrija Popovic were elected vice president, while other members of the executive committee who have been elected are Krsto Boskovic, Igor Vusurovic, Miodrag Ivanovic, Ranko Jovovic, Dzemal Ljuskovic, Boro Mracevic, Vanja Mugosa, Mladen Rabrenovic, Dimitrije Rasovic, Bozidar Vukasanovic and Vesna Medenica.

Barbados Olympic Association Re-Elects President

The Barbados Olympic Association re-elected President Steve Stoute, and the majority of its members, at its annual general meeting at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in Bridgetown Nov. 28.

Stoute, who has served as president since 1996, was re-elected to another four-year term unopposed, along with secretary general Erskine Simmons and assistant secretary general Cammie Burke.

Ralph Johnson was re-elected vice president, defeating Trevor Browne 23-14, while John Griffith won another term as treasurer, outpolling Ralph Holder 31-6.

Browne later retained his post as director along with Esther Maynard, Craig Archer and Dr. Adrian Lorde, with Natalie Small defeating Dr. Raymond Lorde for the other position.

Talermo Re-Elected Finnish NOC President

The Finnish National Olympic Committee re-elected Roger Talermo to a second four-year term as president at its council meeting Nov. 19.

The 52-year-old Talermo, who is president and CEO of Amer Sports Corporation, ran unopposed for president.

Antti Pihlakoski and Pia Nyback were elected vice presidents, while Juoko Purontakanen won another term as secretary general.

Other members of the executive board of the Finnish Olympic Committee for the 2009-2012 period are Jaakko Holkeri, Tiina Kivisaari, Kimmo Lipponen, Antti Peltoniemi, Susanna Rahkamo, Jukka Rauhala, Emma Laaksonen, Mikaela Ingberg, Saku Koiyu and Peter Tallberg.

In addition to the elections, the council also accepted the organization’s budget draft for 2009.

...Briefs

...The Mongolian National Olympic Committee (MNOC) awarded its highest prize, the Chingis Khaan Trophy, to Buvaisar Hamidovich Saitiev, a three time Olympian in wrestling. Saitiev won gold at Atlanta, Athens and Beijing in the 74 kg freestyle wrestling competition. The award ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 20.

... Hockey coach Maurits Hendriks is named as the new technical director of the Dutch national Olympic committee. He will also be the NOC's Chef de Mission for the London 2012 Olympics.

"It is the best job there is in Dutch sport," said the 47-year-old, who coached the Spanish men's hockey team to Olympic silver at the Beijing Games.

Hendriks replaces Charles van Commenée, who was appointed as U.K. Athletics new head coach in September.

Written by Greg Oshust and Ed Hula III.