The Pan American Canoe Confederation (COPAC) recently attended the first-ever gender equity symposium organised by the Association of Pan American Sports Confederations (ACODEPA).
Held in Buenos Aires, experts in leadership, public policy and gender equity in sports attended the symposium, under the theme “From Inspiration to Action”.
More than 100 participants from different ACODEPA sports confederations, representing 41 sports from the American continent, took part in the event.
Among them was a virtual appearance from the Guatemalan Canoeing Federation.
The National Federation has had a great start to the year, recently concluding an ICF Central American development project aimed at enhancing the skillset of coaches in the region.
Their women's team demonstrated their commitment to gender equality during the symposium and made special t-shirts for the occasion.
Cecilia Farias, Vice President of the International Canoe Federation, Honorary President of COPAC, and President of ACODEPA's Equity Commission, led the proceedings along with Naomi Valenzo, secretary of ACODEPA and Vice President of the International Gymnastics Federation.
Mexican Claudia Calvin, a women's leadership and public policy specialist recognised by Forbes as one of the 100 most influential women in her country and Barbara Slater, former Olympic gymnast and Director of Sport at the BBC for 15 years, were among the speakers, with the duo addressing the relationship between gender and sports broadcasting.
Former European Hockey Association President Marijke Fleuren and Carolina Mariani, world medallist judoka and President of the Athletes' Commission of the Argentine Olympic Committee, also gave speeches.
“This integration and exchange of information and experiences between the most diverse sports is always very important, especially in terms of equity,” Dr Farias said.
“This symposium marked a significant step forward in ACODEPA and COPAC's commitment to gender equality in sport, promoting concrete actions that contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future for women in all sports on the continent.”
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