A chance to help Southeast Asian countries that are in need has presented itself to Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion-Norton.
The Philippines’ gymnastics’ chief was recently elected as one of the new members of the 21-seat board of the International Gymnastics Federations, which recently held its elections in Antalya, Turkey.
The council is the second highest authority of the FIG, an annual legislative assembly of 45 delegates from five continents.
She received 25 nods during the poll’s first round of voting and will represent the Southeast Asian region, with Patanasak Srayuth of Thailand and Indonesia’s Ita Yuliati.
“Now, I can really help the federation as a council member. I’m happy with the appointment,” said Carrion-Norton following her return to the country this week.
Carrion-Norton said assisting countries, who are still new with gymnastics as a sport and the concern of female athletes will be among her focus as a council member.
During the polls, Morinari Watanabe of Japan was re-elected president of the FIG by 81 votes.
Watanabe, who received support from Carrion-Norton, was challenged for the presidency by Farid Gayibov of Azerbaijan, who drew 47 votes.
Watanabe will serve as president for three years following a motion approved at the congress limiting the term of elected officials.
The Japanese official will serve his second term from January 1 to December 31, 2024. He earlier faced criticism in the build-up to the election after Japanese embassies campaigned on his behalf.
Elections for the posts of vice presidents were also held with Ali Al-Hitmi of Qatar, Nellie Kim of Belarus earning seats as well.
United States’ Li Li Leung, China’s Miao Zhongyi, Romania’s Maria Fumea, Finland’s Jani Tanskanen and Titov were elected to the FIG Executive Committee.
Some 130 countries were reportedly present at the Turkish resort Antalya for the Congress.