Fina re-appoints Pini

By PARKER TAMBUA
SWIMMING’S world governing body, Fina has re-appointed Papua New Guinea legend Ryan Pini as a member of its athletes’ committee.
The 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medal winner is among 20 members who were announced by Fina on Wednesday.
The announcement was done during the World Aquatics Championships which is still in progress in Budapest, Hungary.
PNG Swimming Incorporated (PNGSI) president Liz Wells told The National yesterday that Pini’s appointment was important as it would help develop the sport in the country.
“This will be Ryan’s second term in the committee,” she said.
“It is a great privilege to have an affiliated member of PNGSI, Ryan, in the committee. It is a deserved acknowledgement for his commitment to the sport as an athlete on the international stage.
“Ryan has competed in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Fina World Championships, Pacific Games and Oceania Championships, so his appointment is fitting.
“We are very proud of Ryan’s accomplishment of being named for a second term. Being in the committee will enable his voice to be heard for the improvement of our sport, strengthen good governance, and help safeguard the credibility of our sport.
“Thirdly, our region now has Fina representation with (Australia’s) Matt Dunn as second vice-president, (Samoa’s) Romani Katoa as a member of the Fina Bureau, and Ryan (PNG) and (Australia’s) Jessica Hansen in the committee.”