AIBA American Forum: development plan for the continent is set up

AIBA Continental Forum for America, organized virtually this year because of the pandemic situation, was held on February 21.  Representatives from 36 countries attended the virtual session. The AIBA leadership and the National Federations of the continent discussed a number of pivotal issues, including reforms, new AIBA Committees and the competition calendar, a development plan for National Federations, a Communication strategy, a report from the legal group; they also held an anti-doping seminar with the ITA’s Head of Testing, Mr. Matteo Vallini.

AIBA President Mr. Umar Kremlev claimed that the intention of the continent to improve is ‘incredible’.

‘I saw a lot of engagement of American National Federations’ representatives, even virtually. I am very happy with their eagerness to follow the way of reforms, to support AIBA and improve themselves. I appreciate their enthusiasm and fresh ideas, which were discussed. I am sure that soon we will see distinct and even more powerful America on the boxing map,’ Mr. Kremlev said.

Mr. Brian Lewis, the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) and Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) delivered a speech about governance transformation and post-Covid-19 opportunities and challenges.

‘Sport plays an important role in society and in the economy. In the post-Covid-19 sports world, digital transformation is essential for good governance. This goes hand in hand with revised policy frameworks and evolving organizational culture. To inspire athletic and academic achievements, to encourage capital accumulation to facilitate the workings of markets and strengthen institutions is all our substantial objectives for the next future. Moreover, we expect improved and increased transparency, efficiency and ethical oversight,’ he claimed.

Moreover, Mr. Brian Lewis underlined the importance of gender equity and the inclusion of women in key decision-making positions.

‘America is a continent with a lot of power, boxing tradition and development; we need to set up our development plan and start contributing to the future of our boxers and officials. Also, it is highly necessary for us to create a boxing academy for our boxers, coaches and officials,’ stressed Mr. Osvaldo Bisbal, AMBC President in his speech.

During the session, the AIBA development plan was presented. Development is a core mission of AIBA. The objectives and goals reflect the aim to holistically develop every facet of the sport. As such, all stakeholders shall be provided with the necessary support, education and opportunities to achieve this purpose.

‘We created the detailed development plan for NFs of the American continent which consists of the improvement of several directions. AIBA Development team will diligently work with the Confederation to assess each National Federation, to evaluate the evolution of the competitions on the continent, to raise regular participation of certified coaches and officials, to set up an online platform dedicated to educational programs,’ AIBA President Mr. Kremlev stressed.

Beyond that, communication strategy, including the creation of a unified information system, implementation of digital tools, and extended coverage of 75 years of the global boxing celebration, was discussed.