Toronto – Athletics Ontario is pleased to announce that President Lisa Ferdinand has been appointed by the IAAF Council to the International Starters Panel for the period 2016 – 2019.

The International Starters Panel was approved by the IAAF Council in 2007 and the inaugural Panel formed in 2008. Lisa will become the first Canadian on the five (5) member IAAF International Starters Panel and first female in the world.

One of the main purposes of establishing the Panel was to ensure the highest level of starters are used at IAAF World Athletics Series, and the Olympic Games, as well as ensuring an overall consistency and improvement of starters’ performances around the world.

Sue Wise, the interim Athletics Ontario Executive Director commented, “We are thrilled to have one of our provincial officials appointed to this prestigious IAAF committee.  Lisa is worthy of this exceptional honor and is an exemplary leader in our sport.”

For more than 25 years, Lisa has served as a Technical Official in the role of Starter, Chief Starter, Start Coordinator and Referee. In addition, she serves as a mentor, evaluator, and clinician both locally and internationally. In 2011, Lisa was selected to the IAAF NACAC Region Area Starters Panel; one of seven Area Starters assigned, on a rotational basis to region international championships.

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