A New Era for Dominican judo: gilberto García Elected President
Gilberto García has been unanimously elected as the new President of the Dominican Judo Federation (Fedojudo), ushering in a new chapter for the sport in the Dominican Republic. The election took place during a meeting held at the National House of Judo within the Olympic Center, with García securing the support of all 15 voting members.
This resounding victory positions García at the helm of Fedojudo for the next four years,from 2024 to 2028.His leadership will be instrumental in guiding the federation through a period of anticipated change.
Joining García on the newly formed Executive Commitee are a team of dedicated individuals: Edi García as first vice president,Ruddy Contreras as second vice president,Luisa Martínez as general secretary,Roberto Jerez as co-secretary general,Emmanuel García Musa as treasurer,Bertilio López as co-treasurer,and members Mindry Marte and José Luis Coronado.
García expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from the judo community, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared purpose. “We are a family,” he stated, acknowledging the occasional disagreements that arise but ultimately affirming that the well-being of judo remains paramount.
GarcíaS vision for the future of Dominican judo is ambitious, promising a period of meaningful progress and development. He believes that “everything is possible” and is committed to leading the federation towards new heights.
The newly elected committee also includes representatives from the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD), further solidifying the federation’s connection to the broader sporting landscape. José Luis Ramírez will serve as president, Augusto Martínez as secretary, and Radhamés and Miguel Rivera as members.
A New Dawn for Dominican judo? A Conversation with olympic medalist Yulis Mercedes
Today, we’re diving deep into the exciting changes happening in dominican judo. Gilberto García’s recent unanimous election as President of the Dominican Judo federation (Fedojudo) marks a notable turning point, and we’re thrilled to be discussing it with none other than Olympic medalist and judo icon, Yulis Mercedes!
Welcome, Yulis. Thank you for joining us.
Yulis: It’s my pleasure to be here. I’m always excited to talk about the future of judo, especially in my home country.
Absolutely! Gilberto García’s resounding victory certainly signals a new era. What are your initial thoughts on his election and the vision he’s outlined for the federation?
Yulis: I believe it’s a positive change. Gilberto has a proven track record of dedication to judo, and his vision for a unified and progressive federation resonates with many of us within the judo community. His emphasis on collaboration and shared purpose is essential for moving forward.
García has talked about enterprising goals and achieving “anything” under his leadership. Do you think these are realistic aspirations, considering the challenges often faced by sporting federations?
Yulis: I admire his optimism and ambition. it’s crucial to have big dreams. Though, translating ambition into tangible results requires strong planning, sustained funding, and a dedicated team. While there will undoubtedly be challenges, I believe
García and his newly elected committee are capable of making significant strides if they can effectively navigate these hurdles.
You’ve competed at the highest level, yulis, representing the Dominican Republic on the world stage. What specific areas do you hope to see García prioritize during his tenure?
Yulis: firstly, I’d like to see a focus on grassroots development. We need to nurture young talent, provide them with access to quality coaching and facilities, and create a strong pipeline of future athletes. Secondly, I hope to see increased investment in athlete support programs, ensuring our judokas have the resources they need to compete at their best. This includes everything from access to physiotherapists and nutritionists to financial assistance and mental health support.
Excellent points, Yulis. What about the included representatives from the Dominican Olympic Committee? do you see this as a positive step towards strengthening the ties between judo and the broader sporting landscape in the Dominican Republic?
Yulis: Absolutely. Having direct representation from the COD within the fedojudo committee is incredibly valuable. It can definitely help ensure that judo receives the necessary support and recognition from the Olympic movement, opening doors to potential funding opportunities and international collaborations.
what message would you give to young Dominican athletes who aspire to follow in your footsteps and contribute to the future of judo in the country?
Yulis: Never give up on your dreams.Believe in yourself, work hard, and surround yourself with people who support your goals. Judo teaches us discipline, resilience, and respect. Embrace these values, and you’ll not only succeed in judo but in life as well.
This is truly inspiring, Yulis. Thank you for sharing your insights and for being such a vocal advocate for Dominican judo. We’re all eagerly awaiting to see what the future holds for the sport under García’s leadership.
What are your thoughts on the new leadership of Fedojudo? Are you optimistic about the future of Dominican judo? Share your opinions in the comments below!
