Bermudian Julian Fletcher Awarded Elite Status….. Pan American Games flag bearer, Julie Fletcher, from Bermuda, has been awarded ‘category A’ elite status by the Bermuda Olympic Association. Previously a ‘category B’ athlete, Fletcher’s status was elevated after a strong series of competitive outings over the last 12 months, which Bermuda deemed meeting the A criteria of “equaling or bettering the standards set for the highest competition set by their international federation.” Fletcher has lowered Bermuda’s national record in the 200m breaststroke twice this past year, with the most recent mark being that of the 2:18.77 he clocked at the Pro Swim Series in Mesa. “Julian is grateful for the added support and is training hard to reach his Rio [Olympic Games] qualification,” Ben Smith, the Bermuda national swimming coach, said.
Brazil’s Lower House Grants 90–day Visa Waiver…..After a Brazilian Lower House vote granting a 90-day waiver, foreigners who usually are required to obtain a visa to enter Brazil are no longer likely to need one to attend the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The waiver is expected to be ratified by the Senate and ultimately signed by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. With the Olympic Games scheduled for August 5-21st, and the Paralympics scheduled from September 7-18th, the last day for arrival within the country without a visa will be on September 18, 2016.
USOC, IOC & University of Delaware partner for International Coaching Enrichment…..The United STates Olympic Committee (USOC), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the University of Delaware have all collaborated in the 8th edition of the International Coaching Enrichment Certification Program. Within the program, coaches representing 34 countries across 5 continents began gathering at the University of Delaware, the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, as well as the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland for a series of lectures, guest speakers and participant presentations, which cover a variety of topics including injury management and prevention, sport psychology and coaching methods. 14 sporting federations from countries such as Cameroon, Mexico, Serbia and Trinidad and Tobago are all participating in the ongoing forum.