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ACODEPA HISTORY
PRESIDENTS AND PERIODS
1992-1998
Dennis CLEMENCE - Sailing
Brasil
1998-1999 (interin)
Clovis LODEWIJKS – Softball
Antillas Nerlandesas
1999-2015
Ivar SISNIEGA - Modern Pentathlon
México
2015-2019 (interin)
Carlos SILVA - Shooting
Guatemala
2019 to date
Francisco LEE – Wrestling
Guatemala
FIRST STAGE:
The Association of Pan American Sports Confederations (ACODEPA), born at the initiative of Mr. Mario Vásquez Raña (RIP), in his time as President of the Pan American Sports Organization (ODEPA), now called Panam Sports, who invited the Presidents of the Pan American Sports Confederations to the "1st Convention for Pan American Olympic Sports", together with the Presidents of the Olympic Committees of America.

Following the aforementioned call, on May 1 st , 1992, the first General Assembly of ACODEPA was held in Acapulco, Mexico, with the presence of delegates from 26 sports. Dr. Jorge Zas Fernández, was given the task of drafting the draft Statutes of the new organization and a provisional Executive Committee was elected, which was integrated as follows:

• President: Dennis Clemence (BRA) - Sailing
• Secretary General: Jorge Zas Fernández (URU) - Weightlifting
• Treasurer: Clovis Lodewijks (Nerlandesan Antilles) - Softball
• Technical Affairs: Raúl Villanueva Torres (CUB) - Boxing
• General Affairs: José Gómez Zaragoza (MEX) - Basque Pelota

Since its founding, ACODEPA had the following objectives:
a) To constitute a place where the Pan American Sports Confederations could express themselves freely, know each other and exchange ideas, experiences and projects,
b) To fight for the strengthening of sport in America, especially in the Pan American Sports Games and,
c) To promote common works with ODEPA, Organizing Committee of Pan American Sports Games, Continental and World Associations of a similar nature and other international sports organizations.

Subsequently, the members of the provisional Executive Committee of ACODEPA were invited to participate in the ODEPA General Assembly, held in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. The meeting took place on 30 July 1994, where important points for our organization were presented; such as:
• Final revision of the Statutes project.
• Creation of a provisional logo.
• Planning of the next General Assembly, in Mar del Plata City, Argentina where the XII Pan-American Games were held and the Executive Committee for the period 1995-1999 were elected.

It is important to highlight that during the ODEPA General Assembly, 2 relevant facts:
a) For the first time, the ACODEPA President is inviited to present a report in the ODEPA General Assembly and,
b) The President, Don Mario Vásquez Raña, announces that Pan American Sports Confederations will be favoured with 10% of the total revenue that each sporting discipline receives from the sale tickets.

On March 14 th ,1995, as part of the XII Pan American Sports Games, the General Assembly of ACODEPA took place, in the city of Mar de Plata, Argentina, with the representation of delegates from 18 Pan American Sports Confederations. According to the agenda, the most relevant points were:
a) Election of the new Executive Committee and Fiscal Commission for the period 1995-1999, which was integrated as follows:
• President: Dennis Clemence (BRA) - Sailing
• Executive Vicepresident: Clovis Lodewijks (Nerlandesan Antilles) -Softball
• Vicepresident: Bruce Rogers (CAN) - Aquatics
• Vicepresident: Fernando Villanueva (CUB) - Boxing
• Vicepresident: Peter Buelming (USA) - Handball
• Vicepresident: Ernesto González (ARG) - Skate
• Vicepresident: Keith Calkins (USA) - Racquetball
• Vicepresident: Juan Bravo (COL) - Squash
• Secretary General: Jorge Zas (URU) - Weightlifting
b) ACODEPA Statutes were approved and,
c) Don Mario Vásquez Raña, ODEPA´s President, was nominated as Honorary President of ACODEPA.

On October 13 th , 1988, the "2nd Convention for Pan American Olympic Sports" was held in Mexico City, as well as the ACODEPA General Assembly, which had a participation of delegates from 27 sports, having agreed that:
a) A resolution was issued, about the concern and disapproval with the procedure adopted by the organizers of the XIII Pan American Sports Games, to be conducted in Winnipeg, Canada, regarding technical aspects of the sports programed for the event.
b) It was unanimously agreed to remove the President of ACODEPA, Mr Dennis Clemence, for not having a satisfactory role and Mr Clovis Lodewijks was named Interim President, until the next General Assembly.
c) Mr. Ivar Sisniega from México, was elected as Vicepresident, and was designated for the coordination between ODEPA and ACODEPA.
d) A Commission was also set up to study reforms to the Statute.

On July 30th, 1999, during the XIII Pan American Sports Games, the General Assembly of ACODEPA was held in Winnipeg, Canada, with the assistance of delegates from 28 sports. According to the planned agenda, the following was resolved:
a) Approval of the Statues update.
b) Election of the new Executive Committee for the period 1999 -2003, which was integrated as follows:
• President: Ivar Sisniega (MEX) - Modern Pentathlon
• Executive Vicepresident: Clovis Lodewijks (Nerlandesan Antilles) - Softball
• Vicepresident: Charles Yatman (USA) - Canoe
• Vicepresident: Keith Calkins (USA) - Basketball
• Vicepresident: Antonio Von Ondarza (VEN) - Hockey
• Vicepresident: Ernesto González Molina (ARG) - Skate
• Vicepresident: Arthur Cramer (BRA) - Fencing
• Vicepresident: Federico Valdéz (PUR) - Badminton
• Treasurer: Bertha Jiménez González (MEX) - Archery
• Secretary General: Jorge Zás (URU) - Weightlifting
• Fiscal Commission: Jorge Mejía (COL) - Triathlon
• Fiscal Commission: Helder Navarro (COL) - Taekwondo
• Fiscal Commission: Rolando Martínez (CUB) - Tennis
SECOND STAGE:
From the XIII Pan American Sports Games held in Winnipeg, Canada, ACODEPA was strengthened under the leadership of Ivar Sisniega, who had been an Olympic athlete in Modern Pentathlon and served as Minister of Sports in Mexico.
One of the most important achievements of its management was to have made the legal constitution of ACODEPA in Mexico City, on August 16 th , 2000, having been formalized under public deed of the public register of the property, folio 2827, of book 275, dated September 5 th , 2000.

The Statutes were reformed on several occasions, seeking their updating to the needs of ACODEPA.

Within the XIV Pan American Sports Games held in the city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the General Assembly of ACODEPA was held. According to the planned agenda, the Executive Committee was elected for the period 2003-2007, which was integrated as follows:
• President: Ivar Sisniega (MEX) - Modern Pentathlon
• Executive Vicepresident: Clovis Lodewijks (Nerlandesan Antilles) - Softball
• Vicepresident: Charles Yatman (USA) - Canoe
• Vicepresident: Keith Calkins (USA) - Basketball
• Vicepresident: Antonio Von Ondarza (VEN) - Hockey
• Vicepresident: Federico Valdéz (PUR) - Badminton
• Vicepresident: Teresa Lara (VEN) - Sailing
• Treasurer: Was not elected
• Secretary General: Jorge Zás (URU) - Weightlifting
• Fiscal Commission: José Manuel Peláez (CUB) - Cycling
• Fiscal Commission: Sergio Rodríguez (COL) - Squash
• Fiscal Commission: Eduardo de Bello (PAN) - Baseball

On July 12 th , 2007, during the XV Pan American Sports Games held in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the General Assembly of ACODEPA was held, with the assistance of delegates from 17 sports. According to the planned agenda, the Executive Committee was elected to for the period 2003-2007, which was integrated as follows:
• President: Ivar Sisniega (MEX) - Modern Pentathlon
• First Executive Vicepresident: Antonio Von Ondarza (VEN) - Hockey
• Vicepresident: Luke St. Onge, (USA) - Racquetball
• Vicepresident: Charles Yatman (USA) - Canoe
• Vicepresident: Jaime Casanova (DOM) - Judo
• Vicepresident: José Manuel Peláez (CUB) - Cycling
• Vicepresident: Vicelia Florenzano (BRA) - Gymnastics
• Vicepresident: Manuel Oliveira (BRA) - Handball
• Treasurer: Antonio Álvarez (MEX) - Triatlhlon
• Secretary General: Ricardo Contreras (MEX) - Boxing
• Fiscal Commission: Jesús Suniaga (VEN) - Softball
• Fiscal Commission: Víctor Sergio Groupierre (ARG) - Fencing
• Fiscal Commission: José Guandique (ESA) - Bowling

On October 11th, 2011, during the XVI Pan American Sports Games held in Guadalajara, Mexico, the General Assembly of ACODEPA is held, with the assistance of delegates from 22 sports. According to the planned agenda, the following is resolved:
a) Approval of the Statutes update.
b) The Executive Committee was elected to for the period 2007-2011, which was integrated as follows:
• President: Ivar Sisniega (MEX) - Modern Pentathlon
• Secretary General: Francisco Lee (GUA) - Wrestling
• First Executive Vicepresident: Antonio Von Ondarza (VEN) - Hockey
• Vicepresident: Luke St. Onge, (USA) - Racquetball
• Vicepresident: Charles Yatman (USA) - Canoe
• Vicepresident: José Guandique (ESA) - Bowling
• Vicepresident: José Manuel Peláez (CUB) - Cycling
• Treasurer: Antonio Álvarez (MEX) - Triatlhlon
• Fiscal Commission: Ji Ho Choi (USA) - Taekwondo
• Fiscal Commission: Jesus Sineaga (VEN) - Softball
• Member: Jorge Castro Rea (MEX) - Fencing
• Member: Eldon C. Godfrey (USA) - Aquatics
• Member: John Charles (DMA) - Boxing
• Member: Carlos Silva (GUA) - Shooting

On February 8th, 2015, Don Mario Vásquez Raña died, who presided over the ODEPA for 40 years, leaving a valuable legacy for the Pan American sports movement. With his physical disappearance, an important chapter for the sport of America was closed.

On July 08th, 2015, during the XVII Pan American Sports Games, the ACODEPA General Assembly was held in Toronto, Canada, with the assistance of 34 delegates from Pan American Sports Confederations. It is worth mentioning that Mr. Julio Maglione, who served as acting president of the ODEPA, was present.
As part of the agenda, the proposed amendment to Article 8 of the ODEPA statutes was known, so that the President of ACODEPA would occupy a formal place on the Executive Committee of the ODEPA.

In addition, the following reforms to the ACODEPA Statutes were approved:
• Only the Confederations that are part of the Pan-American program will have the right to a voice and vote. The others shall have the right to participate with a voice but without a vote.
• Anyone running for a Pan American Confederation must be part of its Executive Committee at that time.
• Add the position of Executive Secretary so that the person holding this position has an official position without voting. The responsibilities of this new position are described below.
• The ratification of a member of the Executive Committee, in case any position becomes vacant during the period and,
• In case of doubt in interpretation, decisions shall fall to the Executive Committee.
• It was agreed that the position of secretary should change to executive secretary, being part of the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee was elected to for the period 2011-2019, which was integrated as follows:
• President: Ivar Sisniega (MEX) - Modern Pentathlon
• First Vicepresident: Carlos Silva (GUA) - Shooting
• Secretary General: Francisco Lee (GUA) - Wrestling
• Vicepresident: Cecilia Farias (ARG) - Canoe
• Vicepresident: José Manuel Peláez (CUB) - Cycling
• Vicepresident: Coco Budeisky (ARG) - Hockey
• Vicepresident: William Millerson (Curacao) - Karate
• Treasurer: Jaime Cadaval (MEX) - Triathlon
• Fiscal Commission: Miguel Carner (MEX) - Rugby
• Fiscal Commission: Ji Ho Choi (USA) - Taekwondo
• Member: Dale Neuburger (USA) - Aquatics
• Member: Usie Richards (ISV) - Basketball
• Member: Zobeira Hernández (VEN) - Gymnastics
• Member: Luke St. Onge (USA) - Racquetball
• Executive Secretary: Ana Paula González (MEX)

On April 26th, 2017, the ODEPA General Assembly, whose main point was the election of the new Executive Committee, was held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, and was elected President, Mr Neven Illic from Chile. Subsequently, the new President proposed to the General Assembly that the position of Secretary-General of the ODEPA to be held by Mr. Ivar Sisniega, replacing Mrs. Jimena Saldaña, who for many years served in this position. The Assembly confirmed the appointment.

On the same day, the General Assembly of ACODEPA took place, with the presence of 36 delegates of equal number of Pan American Sports Confederations, in which Ivar Sisniega announced his irrevocable resignation from the office of President, as it was incompatible with his new role in the ODEPA- A period of 18 years at the head of the organization was ended, which was recognized by all attendees. In accordance with the Statutes, Mr. Carlos Silva, the first Vice-President, became the Interim President.

It should be mentioned that Miss Ana Paula González, held the position of Executive Secretary of ACODEPA from 2009 to 2017, which was a valuable support for the Pan American Sports Confederations, especially for her dedication, care and ability in the performance of her duties.
THIRD STAGE:
On July 26th, 2019, during of the XVIII Pan American Sports Games, the General Assembly of ACODEPA was held in Lima, Peru, with the assistance of delegates from the 38 affiliated Pan American Sports Confederations, having made the election of the Executive Committee for the period 2019-2023, being integrated as follows:
• President: Francisco Lee (GUA) - Wrestling
• First Vicepresident: Dale Neuburger (USA) - Aquatics
• Secretary General: Coco Budeisky (ARG) - Hockey
• Vicepresident: Ji Ho Choi (USA) - Taekwondo
• Vicepresident: Cecilia Farias (ARG) - Canoe
• Vicepresident: Liber García (URU) - Triathlon
• Vicepresident: Juan Antonio Vila Reinoso (DOM) - Table Tennis
• Treasurer: Miguel Carner (MEX) - Rugby
• Fiscal Commission: Federico Serna (MEX) - Squash
• Fiscal Commission: Eduardo Abdalah (NCA) - Bodybuilding and Fitness
• Member: Usie Richards (ISV) - Basketball
• Member: Naomi Chieko Valenzo (MEX) - Gymnastics
• Member: Alberto Herrera Ayala (COL) - Skate
• Member: Martín Faba Castro (CRC) - Bowling

It is important to highlight that it was the first time that the entire electoral process was conducted on the basis of the "Electoral Regulations" approved months earlier by the Executive Committee.
Thereafter, the following actions were carried out:
• ACODEPA headquarters were moved to Guatemala City, where is the President's place of residence.
• Professional services were contracted with a full-time administrative secretary and a Technical Manager, in order to provide a better service to the Pan American Sports Confederations.
• In support of the work of the Treasurer and in order to comply with the accountability policy, the services of an accountant and audit were contracted.
• 10 commissions are appointed to strengthen the work of ACODEPA.
• Changed the logo and institutional image with trademark registration.
• Communication through social networks was activated, modifying the official page and creating the accounts on twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
EXTENSION TO THE HISTORY OF ACODEPA:
After 2 years and after a long and forced recess due to the Covid-19 pandemic, on November 24, 2021, within the framework of the “I Pan American Junior Games”, the Ordinary General Assembly of ACODEPA was held in the city of Cali, Colombia, with the attendance of 33 delegates from the 38 affiliated Pan American Sports Confederations, having unanimously approved the integral reform of the Statutes, being the most important changes the following ones:

• The name “PASO” was replaced by “Panam Sports”.
• The term “General Assembly” was standardized in the text, eliminating the word “congress”.
• It is ratified that PASO will only recognize one Pan American Sports Confederation for each International Federation.
• The hierarchy of the Pan American Sports Confederations over the different regional sports organizations is strengthened.
• A more developed and updated text on the world anti-doping code is established, in accordance with international requirements and regulations.
• It includes educational programs and the terms “sexual harassment” and “abuse in sport”, practices that, unfortunately, are becoming increasingly common.
• It includes the elaboration and approval of Regulations corresponding to the Commissions that are deemed necessary to be created to improve the functioning of ACODEPA and its affiliates.
• An article is added to follow the guidelines of good governance worldwide, regarding the “Court of Arbitration for Sport” (CAS) of Lausanne, Switzerland, being the only body empowered by ACODEPA to ensure arbitration between the parties.
• The date and place of foundation of ACODEPA is added, as part of the historical record of our organization.
• In order to make ACODEPA's expenses more transparent, it was determined in which items the budget for the operation and administration of the office may be used.
• The detailed description of our new LOGO was established, with its respective colors, design and symbology.
• The procedure for the approval of new affiliates was established.
• It was ratified that only the Pan American Confederations that comply with the requirements established in Article 1 of the Statutes and whose sports are part of the sports program of the Pan American Games may be members of ACODEPA, with the right to speak and vote.
• On the other hand, the Confederations whose sports are not part of the sports program of the Pan American Games and those sports that do not have a Pan American Sports Confederation or Continental Sports Organization, may affiliate to ACODEPA and participate in the Assemblies, but without the right to vote.
• It is left open the possibility that the Executive Committee may request its members, if necessary, to pay annual affiliation and membership fees to ACODEPA, as a fund to finance its operation and programs.
• It is established that the Ordinary General Assemblies shall be held annually, and the agenda was improved.
• The procedure for holding Extraordinary General Assemblies is established.
• A limit is established for the permanence in the positions within the Executive Committee of ACODEPA (its members will be elected for a period of four years and may be reelected for a maximum of two additional consecutive terms, regardless of the position they hold in the Executive Committee of ACODEPA), which is in line with the new practices of good sports governance worldwide. This rule will be effective as of the next elections, to be held in 2023.
• It establishes that at least 40% of the total number of members of the Executive Committee must be of both genders. This is in harmony with the gender equity guidelines established by the IOC.
• The word “members” is changed to “Vocals”. (Spanish version, in English Members remains).
• The position of “Executive Secretary” is eliminated.
• An age limit is established (75 years old) for the positions within the Executive Committee of PASCA, which is in harmony with the new practices of sports governance worldwide.
• The responsibility for disciplinary matters is transferred to the “Ethics Commission” and its ratification to the General Assembly as the highest authority.
• Awards and/or decorations are created for individuals, companies or entities that are deserving for their relevant actions for the benefit of Pan American sports.
• Although the meetings of the Executive Committee and General Assemblies shall be held in person, in special cases, they may be held by computer or technological means such as videoconferencing (virtual), to safeguard the integrity and safety of all participants, due to natural, social or health events.
• The authorization to make payments that are necessary for the proper functioning of ACODEPA is expanded and made transparent, in the same way as other international sports organizations do.
• Although the President is the Legal Power of Attorney, the Treasurer is incorporated so that, jointly, they have the power to grant, subscribe, guarantee and endorse credit titles, as well as to celebrate all kinds of banking and commercial operations and to open or cancel current accounts in banking institutions. The Executive Committee and the General Assembly must be informed of all the actions taken, mandatorily and in detail, at the following meeting of the Executive Committee and the General Assembly.
• Likewise, the President, in agreement with the Secretary General, may hire the technical and administrative personnel required by ACODEPA for its proper functioning. All actions taken must be reported in detail at the next meeting of the Executive Committee and the General Assembly.
• Although the president has the obligation to attend and represent ACODEPA in the meetings of the Executive Committee of Panam Sports; as well as those of international character. In justified cases (illness, bereavement, etc.), he/she may designate a representative.
• It is established that the adoption and modification of these Statutes shall not affect the previous operation of any article that is modified or repealed, nor the validity of any act performed, nor the validity of any contract or agreement made by virtue of these Statutes, or any predecessor Statutes, prior to their adoption or modification.
• In accordance with the decision of the General Assembly, the new Statutes came into effect on the same day of their approval and replace all previous versions.

NEW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, FOR THE PERIOD 2023-2027:
On May 20, 2023, the first Ordinary General Assembly of ACODEPA was held in the city of Lima, Peru, independently; that is, separate from the Assembly organized by Panam Sports, with the support and collaboration of the Peruvian Olympic Committee.

At the Assembly, the Executive Committee was elected for the 2023-2027 period, which was composed as follows:

• President: Francisco Eduardo Lee López, (Wrestling);
• First Vice President: Cecilia Farías, (Canoe);
• Secretary General: Alberto Budeisky, (Hockey);
• Vice Presidente: Liber García, (Triathlon);
• Vice Presidente: Naomi Chieko Valenzo, (Gymnastics);
• Vice Presidente: Juan Antonio Vila, (Table Tennis);
• Vice Presidente: Usie Richards, (Basketball);
• Treasurer: Martín Faba, (Bowling);
• Member: Maureen Croes, (Panam Aquatic);
• Member: Melissa Alvarenga, (Fencing);
• Member: María Isabel Mancheno, (Water Ski);
• Member: Paula Muñoz, (Surf);
• Fiscal Commission: Alberto Herrera, (Skate) y;
• Fiscal Commission: Marcos Oviedo, (Athletics).

For the first time in history, 40% of the members of the Executive Committee are women, which positions ACODEPA as one of the sports organizations at the forefront of good governance and gender equity standards.
After the General Assembly, a special ceremony was held at the Municipal Palace of Lima, to present the “ACODEPA GOLD COLLAR” to the Peruvian Olympic Committee.
NEW CHANGES TO THE STATUTES:
On October 19, 2023, at the General Assembly of ACODEPA, held in the city of Santiago, Chile, the following amendments to the Statutes were approved:

• -The requirements to be met by the Pan American Sports Confederations and/or Continental Sports Organizations and, in their absence, by the Regional Sports Organizations to have the right to 1 or 2 votes in the General Assemblies were established.
• In Article 27, the power of the Executive Committee to grant general and special powers of attorney was added.
• The wording and presentation of the Bylaws were improved, making them more understandable and easier to read.

In addition to the above, another important achievement was that Panam Sports approved a 100% increase in the annual allocation received by ACODEPA.
ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
On April 20, 2024, the Ordinary General Assembly of ACODEPA was held for the second time in the city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with the collaboration of the governmental and sports authorities of that country. Among the most important points that were discussed, the following stand out:

• The president made a broad presentation on the structure, organization and role of ACODEPA in the sports movement in the Americas.
• The technical manager presented an evaluation report on the XIX Pan American Games, Santiago 2023.
• The presentation of the “GENDER EQUITY” SYMPOSIUM project was made.
• The President of the Organizing Committee made a presentation on the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, Santo Domingo, 2026.
• At the proposal of the General Assembly, a commission was formed to prepare a project to obtain more economic resources from Panam Sports for the Pan American Sports Confederations and/or Continental Sports Organizations and, in the absence of these, the Regional Sports Organizations. Said commission was composed as follows: Fred Hagedorn for Sailing, José Quiñones for Weightlifting, Cristóbal Marte for Volleyball, Armando Bruni for Badminton and Álvaro del Pozo for Aquatics.
• The regrettable death of Paula Muñoz, who had recently been elected as a member of the ACODEPA Executive Committee, was reported. Consequently, it was agreed that the new member would be elected at the Extraordinary Assembly to be held in Asunción, Paraguay.
• The General Assembly was informed that, as of today, the new person in charge of ACODEPA's communication and social media area is Mr. Sebastián Pérez.

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
On October 3, 2024, the Extraordinary General Assembly of ACODEPA was held in the city of Asunción, Paraguay, with the participation of delegates from 31 sports. The most important points were:

• Akemi Vanessa Endo de la Torre, of Peruvian nationality, was unanimously elected as the new member of the Executive Committee, at the proposal of the Pan American Softball Confederation, who will complete the term of her predecessor.
• It was informed that the bank accounts of ACODEPA, in quetzales and dollars, in the bank G&T Continental in the Republic of Guatemala, have already been duly authorized and the president and treasurer have authorized signatures, who will jointly manage the money.
• Regarding the money that is still deposited in a bank and financial institution in the Republic of Mexico, it was informed that a proxy has already been appointed who is taking the pertinent steps to close them and, subsequently, transfer the balance to the account in Guatemala.
• It was informed that as of September of this year, the new accountant of ACODEPA is Mr. Edwin Paúl Solórzano Ramírez, who resides in Guatemala City.
• The work of the Commission that the General Assembly formed to deal with the petition to Panam Sports on the budgetary issue was followed up.
• The new Athletes and Electoral Commissions were formed.

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