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Pini Elected Chair of WADA Athletes Council, PNGOC Congratulates
The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has formally congratulated Olympian Ryan Pini, the current Chair of the Papua New Guinea Athletes Commission, on his recent appointment to the newly formed World Anti-Doping Agency Athlete Council.
Nominated by World Aquatics, formerly known as the International Swimming Federation or FINA, Pini was appointed by a panel after being vetted through a lengthy process as part of a series of governance reforms designed to strengthen athletes’ representation within the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) earlier in 2022, and elected as Chair of the WADA Athlete Council in March 2023.
The election was done online following the Athlete Council’s first meeting at the WADA Symposium in Lausanne, Switzerland. WADA’s new reforms now gives the Chair of the Athlete Council a seat on the Executive Committee.
PNGOC President Sir John Dawanincura in acknowledging the announcement by WADA, congratulated Ryan Pini on his election as the chair to this important global body that represents the voices of the athletes on anti-doping matters, and plays an important role in advocating for clean sport.
Sir John said, “Being Papua New Guinea and Team PNG’s most decorated athlete that has represented our country in the sport of Swimming at the Pacific, Commonwealth and Olympic Games and also at the FINA championships, Pini’s appointment is a testament of a great athlete role model who continues to aspire for excellence.With his experience as an athlete and now representing athletes on various national and regional boards, I am confident Ryan will lead the WADA Athlete Council with integrity and respect”.
Ryan Pini, the Chef de Mission for the 2024 Olympics, welcomed and accepted his chairmanship of the WADA Athletes Council. Pini acknowledged the significance of this role and expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.He added that he is looking forward to advocating for clean sports and promoting the welfare of athletes.
Ryan serves on various boards in his capacity as the Athletes Representative, this includes the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee Board, the PNG Sport Anti-Doping Organisation (PNGSADO), and the Pacific Games Council.
