World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC)
Executive Vice President Beatrice Allen received the Association of National
Olympic Committees (ANOC) Merit Award at the XXVI ANOC General Assembly in
Seoul, South Korea.
The ANOC Merit Award was created to recognise persons
who have, in an exceptional way, furthered or contributed to the work of the
Association. Distinctions were presented for the first time in 1983.
Ms. Allen, an IOC Honorary Member since 2021 and one of the most well-respected female leaders in Africa, was presented with the Merit Award for her outstanding contribution to the development of international sport and for dedicating her life to working for women in sport in her native country, Gambia, and across the continent.
President of the WBSC Riccardo Fraccari said, "I'm
very proud about the recognition given to Beatrice Allen with the ANOC Merit
Award and always happy when leaders of our community are recognised for their
efforts. Beatrice has been serving the WBSC in the position of Executive Vice
President for 5 years and has been paramount for the development of our sport
in Africa and for empowering and inspiring women across the globe as Chair of
the WBSC Diversity and Inclusivity Commission, expanding her role on building a
fair and inclusive ecosystem within our community. Congratulations
Beatrice!"
The XXVI ANOC General Assembly, which saw more than
185 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) participate, featured representatives from
the IOC, International Federations, Organising Committees of Olympic Games
(OCOGs) and other Olympic stakeholders. The event is also a platform for
Olympic stakeholders, especially OCOGs and cities bidding to host the Olympic
Games, to address the NOC Family.
