FINA has appointed Farida Iddriss, the treasurer of the Ghana Swimming Association, to its Reform Committee, according to a report from Ghanian outlet MyJoyOnline.
In addition to working as the treasurer of the Ghana Swimming Association for the last six years, Iddriss is also a member of the African Swimming Confederation (CANA) board and was named the administrative manager of the Ghana Olympic Committee in May.
Iddriss’ appointment is part of an initiative implemented by FINA President Husain Al-Musallam, who called for the development of a reform committee immediately upon being elected in June. The committee, which is presided by Chairman Francois Carrard, was validated by the FINA Bureau during the elections in June.
Idriss wrote a letter after accepting the position, which reads as follows:
“Nearly one week ago, on the trust of the Aquatics world, I accepted to serve our community as the President of FINA. In doing so, I made a commitment that I would drive change through a series of reforms, emphasizing the need for greater transparency, inclusion and innovation in the management and development of our sport.
“This was highlighted in my campaign as a priority and on my recommendation, the FINA Bureau agreed to the formation of the FINA Reform Committee. It is now my distinct pleasure to invite you to serve the Aquatics world as a member of this Committee.”
The initial Reform Committee named by FINA included seven members, all men, along with Carrard. So Iddriss will mark the first female on the committee, and is also the third African, joining representatives from Uganda and South Africa.
FINA has recently been working to support aquatic sports in Africa by implementing FINA Development Centres in Senegal and South Africa and offering increased training opportunities through the FINA scholarship program.
