The new FIB Athletes Committee was elected by the athletes participating in the World Championship tournaments for Men Group B in Uppsala and Men Group A and Women in Lidköping. It is the first FIB Athletes Committee.
Since the committee was elected, its members have also now elected their chair and vice-chair. The choices fell on Rebecca Draper, USA and Gian Luca Beler, Switzerland. Rebecca Draper will also attend the FIB Executive Committee as a regular member.
In addition to Rebecca and Gian Luca, the committee consists of Jordan Braam, Netherlands, Sanna Gustafsson, Sweden and Judith Waller, Great Britain.
Rebecca, what was your first feeling when they chose you as chair of the committee?
Rebecca Draper.
– I’m honored to have been chosen as the liaison between the Athletes Committee and the Executive Committee. Together, the Athletes Committee will work collaboratively to ensure that the voices of our athletes are heard and represented.
How do you perceive the committee’s mission?
– The committee’s mission is fulfilling the IOC principles to empower athlete representation, support all athletes during and after their career, and promote athlete involvement in the decision-making process within the FIB.
Are there any issues that you would like the committee to prioritize?
– The committee has two current focuses at this time. The first priority is to analyze the survey results completed by athletes participating in the Uppsala and Lidkoping World Championships. The Athletes Committee is dedicated to getting the athletes perspective and feedback to be shared with the FIB, ensuring that player insights and concerns are heard and considered. The second priority will be to review and propose changes to the FIB Hall of Fame Terms of Reference, specifically to the Categories and Requirements for Athletes. The Categories and Requirements should be more relative, attainable, and applicable to athletes.
How will you capture important things from the players, especially considering that they practice the sport under very different conditions?
– One step to capture important topics or concerns has already been accomplished with the survey sent to athletes participating in World Championships. However, it is as equally important to hear from those athletes who are unable to attend World Championships, this will be another focus in the future. In the meantime, we hope that FIB’s 28 Member Associations encourage their athletes to email and reach out to the Athletes Committee with concerns, issues, and topics at [email protected]. We are here to support all countries and athletes.
How often will you have meetings?
– The cadence of meetings will vary depending on focus and tasks to accomplish. For instance, this month there will be a couple of meetings due to the urgency of analyzing the survey results to provide feedback to the FIB in a timely manner and other AC tasks.
What is the most important future issue for international bandy in general?
– A key challenge for international bandy in general is determine how WE – together as the entire global bandy family – continue to increase player participation worldwide, from youth to adult leagues, while at the same time establishing strong financial support, attracting global sponsors/partners, and ultimately achieving recognition as an Olympic sport for the entire world to enjoy.
Thank you Rebecca and good luck!
Kjell Anderstedt conducted the interview..