Mike Sands became the first Bahamian North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) president on Tuesday after voting concluded in Queretaro, Mexico during its biannual Congress.
Beating the field of four other contenders including Jamaica’s Athletics Administration Association (JAAA) President Dr Warren Blake, former interim president of NACAC Alain Jean-Pierre of Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago Athletics President Epherriem Serrette and Claudia Perez of Mexico, to succeed Victor López of Puerto Rico in the fall after the World championships wrap up.
Of the 31 votes constituting each of the 31 countries represented in the NACAC, Sands received 10, Jean-Pierre 8, Perez 7, Serrette 4 and Dr Blake 2 in the first round.
In the second round of voting, Sands, again came out on top with 14 votes to Jean-Pierre’s 12 and Perez 5.
Outside of the office of president, other elects for the Executive Council include Vice President-elect Catherine Jordan of Barbados, American Treasurer-elect Stephanie Hightower as well as several at large seats.
The BAAA naturally responded with more than joy for their outgoing president, saying,
“These epic events give cause for a heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Federation and the people of The Bahamas. May he continue to do the work of the country and more importantly, the work of the entire region.
We wish him well today and in the years to come”.
The NACAC is a regional subdivision of the IAAF, revolving around all the governing track and field bodies within the North American sphere. It’s headquartered in Santurce, Puerto Rico.