The World Olympians Association (WOA) held their 5th General Assembly at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland in which Joël Bouzou, Olympic medalist from France was elected President.
IOC President, Juan Antonio Samaranch created the World Olympians Association following the Centennial Olympic Congress, Congress of Unity, held in Paris in 1994. Formally, the WOA was established during a similar meeting held in the Olympic Museum on 21 November 1995 by 25 founder members.
Joël Bouzou participated in four Olympic Games (Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992) and won the bronze medal team in 1984. He won the world championships in Modern Pentathlon in 1987. He is the current Secretary General of the International Modern Pentathlon Union and previously served as an Ex Co Member for the World Olympians Association from 2003-2008.
Joël is the President and Founder of "Peace and Sport, l‘Organisation pour la Paix par le Sport" which was established in 2007 and uses sport as a solution for dialogue, reconciliation and peace wherever necessary in post conflict and extreme poverty areas, as well as in places suffering from a lack of social cohesion. He is also the Advisor to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.
In his nomination speech, Joël Bouzou said:
"Sport has given us so much. It has changed our lives. It can be a life-changer for so many more people in so many different ways. And we are the ones who can make that happen (...). We need to work in unity in two directions: 1- activate the community of the Olympians to serve the society. 2- Serve the Olympians during and after their sport career. Our collective ambition will be to demonstrate how Olympians can bring added value to the IOC’s and the Olympic Movement’s overall contribution to society. Through serving this cause, we will gain recognition. Because we can only get what we deserve to get! Together we can make it happen!"
A record 124 countries were represented at the assembly. It was a spectacular weekend bringing together delegates that included IOC members, world champions and Olympic medalists. Surrounded by the historic treasures of the Olympic Movement, the assembly touched on various Olympic topics, culminating with the election of officers.
Secretary General Anthony Ledgard, Olympic cyclist from Peru was re-elected to the post. 1988 Olympic silver medalist in the 400 meter hurdles, Amadou Dia Ba from Senegal was re-elected to the board moving up to First Vice President.
George Andreadis from Greece was also re-elected to the Ex Co assuming the position of Second Vice President. George is additionally a committee member for the International Sailing Federation and received the Olympic Order last year from the International Olympic Committee.
Patrick Singleton, Olympic competitor in luge and skeleton from Bermuda was elected Treasurer. Patrick having lived in the UK, USA, Japan, Australia; Germany and with work experience in Michael Bloomburg’s organization brings financial experience to the organization.
Liston Bochette (PUR) having previously served as Secretary General for the organization was elected board member along with Cor van Aanholt (AHO), Alper Kasapoglu (TUR) and previous WOA President Dick Fosbury (USA).
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