Ricci Bitti Leads Federations for Final Term

(ATR) Francesco Ricci Bitti says he’ll take the presidency of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations for one final term.

Ricci Bitti is the only candidate to file for the post by the October 25 deadline. The former president of the International Tennis Federation has served for two previous four-year terms. Now 78, Ricci Bitti was ITF president from 1999 to 2015.

The election will take place during the annual ASOIF general assembly scheduled for November 9. Originally planned to be held in person during the spring, the meeting will become virtual for the first time due to the complications from the coronavirus pandemic.

"It has been an honor and pleasure alike to serve ASOIF and its member federations in the past years. I am ready and committed to provide continuity through what is proving to be very challenging times for sport and to prepare the future of ASOIF," he said in a statement followingan October 25 meeting of the ASOIF Council. The Council met in a teleconference to go over final plans for the assembly next week.

The Council is expected to ratify changes to the association statutes allowing for virtual meetings and electronic voting in the future. Statutes will also be modified to reflect gender neutral language.

The Council took action to name International Equestrian Federation secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez as the new chair of the ASOIF Diversity and Gender Equality Consultative Group.

World Archery secretary general Tom Dielen was named the chair of a new Parasport Consultative Group. The current chairs of the association’s six other consultative groups were reappointed.

As the association representing international federations in the Summer Olympics, the Tokyo Games postponed until next July will be a key driver for discussions at the meeting.

The general assembly is scheduled to last about five hours and will be available for viewing on YouTube.

Written by Ed Hula.