General Secretary of the Dominica Olympic Committee, Fenella Wenham has been appointed to the Pan American Women In Sports Commission. This is the second major appointment of a member of the DOC to an international body.
Wenham says, “My appointment… gives me an opportunity to contribute to the development of women and girls in sports. This commission which has been particularly dominated by the Spanish speaking members but only recently we have seen inclusion of the Caribbean which makes my appointment a significant one, more so representing a small member island”.
She continues, “The work of the commission is focused on offering women tools for sport management, technical training, professional development and preparation for leadership. These are similar to the holistic approach that has been adopted by the DOC in the development of our Women and girls in sport as they prepare to represent our country at various levels on the regional and international stage. Our program has been recognized by both our regional and international counterparts hence my appointment will allow me to share ideas, cultural inuendos and varied perspective from this part of the region to other distinguished members, while I gain knowledge to strengthen our programs and systems”.
Wenham said that the success of local athletes is useful in sport development.”Our own Thea Lafond has already qualified to participate at the upcoming Olympic games in Tokyo this summer which we would want to use as an impetus for our younger female athletes. The intention is to develop the program around her where she can share her knowledge and experiences”.
She added, “I look forward to serving on this prestigious commission which would enhance my leadership competencies”, and “I’m honoured to have been appointed unto the PANAM Women in Sport Commission. And more pleased to share the appointment with Dominica.”
President of the DOC, Billy Doctrove congratulated Wenham on her appointment. He said that she has performed well in her role as Secretary General of the DOC and is confident that she will succeed in her new appointment.
Docteove added, “This appointment just shows the respect and high regard our Olympic colleagues both regionally and internationally have for the management, governance and financial accountability of the DOC and we want to thank all our affiliates for supporting us and giving us the opportunity for making that change that was necessary”.
Doctrove pledged the support of the DOC in assisting Wenham to succeed in both roles .
