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IOC Approves New Constitution
By Dean Greenaway
Nov 3, 2007, 08:54
TORTOLA—Following its executive committee meeting where a new constitution was finalized, the International Olympic Committee on Nov 1, approved the BVI Olympic Committee’s constitution, which will be ratified by its national federation/association members during a Dec 5 General Assembly.
“Well, it’s been long overdue,” said BVI Olympic Committee president Rey O’Neal who last year announced that he will step down at the end of the Olympic cycle in 2008. “As we have said among ourselves, some of the things were not essential part of constitutions for National Olympic Committees even into the ‘90s, have now become very essential, not the least of which is drug testing and adherence to the ruled of the World Anti Doping Agency.”
O’Neal, a founding member of the committee, said the constitution reflects the expansion of the BVIOC and includes new posts that have been created since the 2006 General Assembly, including a 2nd vice president, athlete’s representative, public relation’s officer and an immediate past president. “Hopefully, when these are enshrined in the constitution, individuals will realize that I am responsible for this and you are responsible for that, and we can move forward in that respect.”
The constitution has been sent to BVIOC members, who have been encouraged to hold executive meetings before the General Assembly to become familiar with the document that will cover the 10 member body. A series of By-Laws are also being developed for adoption as well.
Ahead of the General Assembly, the BVIOC has appointed a select committee to meet with its members at 5:30 p.m. on Nov 14, to among other things look at a 2008 action plan and preparations for upcoming games. The BVIOC will work with the Netherlands Antilles Olympic Committee Executive Director Remco Tevreden, from Nov 19-22, as the body works towards professionalization. Tevreden will also meet with the BVIOC member federations/associations on Nov 20.
Besides the International Olympic Committee, the BVI Olympic Committee is a member of the following sporting organizations:
• Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC)
• Pan American Sports Organization (PASO)
• Central American & Caribbean Sports Organization (CACSO)
• Commonwealth Games Federation
• Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC)
The BVI also field athletes in the Olympic, Pan American, Central American and Caribbean and Commonwealth Games, and is scheduled to compete in the inaugural 2009 Caribbean Games. BVIOC officials attend various meetings related to the respective bodies.
© Copyright 2007 BVI Olympic Committee
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