Americas elects Guatemala’s Paiz to first vice president position at online assembly

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has not only forced sporting events to the virtual space but institutional meetings and congresses, too. World Archery Americas has become the sport’s second continental federation to host its general assembly online, after Oceania’s congress in April.

Delegates from all 31 nations that are currently affiliated in good standing to the continental federation attended the virtual meeting on 14 November 2020.

A host of motions to improve the constitutional governance of the organisation included the addition of a first vice president role, to which Guatemalan candidate Federico Paiz was subsequently elected.

Mexico’s Santiago Avitia and Canada’s Al Wills were chosen as vice presidents for Central and North America, while Tamara Jimenez of Cuba, Laval Falks of the USA and Guillermo Quiroga of Ecuador were selected as council members.

The Canadian city of Halifax was awarded the Pan American Youth and Masters Championships in 2022. It will be the first time these events are held separately from the senior championships.

Delegates also approved a new six-area strategic development plan for the continent.

World Archery secretary general Tom Dielen, who attended the assembly, said: “In 1996, Copanarco was a small continental association. Today, World Archery Americas is a leader in governance, in events… [and] in development activities.”

In her closing speech, World Archery Americas president Maria Emma Gaviria called for federations to emerge focused, proactive and enthusiastic from this difficult period.