The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has congratulated Ryan Pini, the current Chair of the Papua New Guinea Athletes Commission, on his recent appointment to the newly formed World Anti-Doping Agency Athlete Council. Pini was appointed by a panel after being vetted through a lengthy process as part of a series of governance reforms designed to strengthen athletes’ representation within the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Nominated by World Aquatics, formerly known as the International Swimming Federation or FINA, Pini was elected as Chair of the WADA Athlete Council in March 2023. The election was done online following the Athlete Council’s first meeting at the WADA Symposium in Lausanne, Switzerland. With WADA’s new reforms, the Chair of the Athlete Council now holds a seat on the Executive Committee.
PNGOC President Sir John Dawanincura congratulated Pini on his election and described him as a great athlete role model who continues to aspire for excellence. As Papua New Guinea’s most decorated athlete who has represented the country in the Pacific, Commonwealth, and Olympic Games as well as at the FINA championships, Pini’s appointment is a testament to his experience and dedication. Sir John expressed confidence that Pini will lead the WADA Athlete Council with integrity and respect.
Ryan Pini, also the Chef de Mission for the 2024 Olympics, welcomed and accepted his chairmanship of the WADA Athletes Council. He acknowledged the significance of this role and expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. As an athlete representative, Pini serves on various boards, including the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee Board, the PNG Sport Anti-Doping Organisation (PNGSADO), and the Pacific Games Council. He added that he is looking forward to advocating for clean sports and promoting the welfare of athletes.
