WINDHOEK – International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has appointed Namibian athletics icon Frank Fredericks as Chairman of the Coordination Commission for the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games to be staged in the Argentinean capital, Buenos Aires in 2018.
The four-time Olympics silver medalist will lead a team of commissioners and will be responsible for assisting his local Organizing Committee in preparation for the Games. The members of the Coordination Commission represent stakeholders of the Olympic Movement, including athletes, National Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations and the International Paralympic Committee.
The Committee is tasked to act as a link between the various Organizing Committees and other stakeholders in the Olympic Movement – thus ensuring that much-needed coordination mechanisms are in place to assist with the successful deliveries of subsequent Games. “I am both honoured and humbled by the selection as chairperson of the Coordination Commission for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games,” said Fredericks. Fredericks said his appointment is indicative of the trust and belief that Bach and the entire IOC movement has in him, but was quick to admit that this will be a very challenging task.
“I’m looking forward to steering the Coordination Committee to the best of my abilities so that we ensure that everything humanly possible is done to deliver the most exciting and inspiring Games for youths.” Fredericks and his team of experts are to visit Buenos Aires twice a year as of next year in a bid to ensure that the tabled concept by the host city is implemented correctly.
By Staff Reporter