(ATR) The Danish Olympic Committee has thrown its support behind Kim Andersen’s bid to secure the top job in World Sailing.
President of NOC Denmark Niels Nygaard on Thursday publicly backed Andersen’s campaign. The Danish Sailing Association, together with 32 countries, last month nominated the 59-year-old to become president of World Sailing.
Andersen will challenge incumbent Carlo Croce of Italy, who is seeking a second term, and Paul Henderson of Canada. The election is scheduled to take placed at World Sailing’s general assembly in Barcelona on Nov. 13.
"Kim Andersen is an experienced sports politician with good ideas and a solid knowledge of international sailing," Nygaard said. "We are sure that he as a representative of a new management team in World Sailing will be able to develop the sport in a positive direction."
Andersen, who is currently chair of the federation’s equipment committee, promises to grow the global audience for sailing and increase participation to keep the sport on the Olympic program. He also aims to widen the appeal of sailing to the younger generation.
Strengthening the relationship between World Sailing and its members by "ensuring a fully transparent and accountable decision-making process", is the third pillar of his bid.
"International sports organisations such as World Sailing must constantly adapt to the changes taking place in its surroundings. We are now at a crossroads, World Sailing has to implement significant changes in the future to create value for its members," he said in a statement.
Andersen was the team leader of the Danish Olympic sailors at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, the same year he was elected to the federation’s council. In his sporting career, he represented Denmark at more than 20 championship and World Cup events.
At the elections next month, the president and seven vice-presidents will be chosen. The general assembly will conclude World Sailing's annual conference beginning Nov. 4. Up to 700 delegates are expected to attend.
Reported by Mark Bisson
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