FOR INMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2024
IRF NAMES SECRETARY GENERAL, OFFICERS AT XXII IRF WORLD RACQUETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS; ANNOUNCES OUTDOOR AS IRF DEVELOPING DISCIPLINE
On Thursday, August 22, at the 2024 XXII IRF World Racquetball Championships in San Antonio, Texas, Mauro Grandio Buzaleh (Argentina), IRF Director of International Competitions, accepted the position of IRF and PARC Secretary General effective September 1. Both organizations express their heartfelt gratitude to Luke St. Onge, founder of the IRF in 1979; Secretary General over many decades; and a foremost expert on Racquetball history. St. Onge now assumes the role of Executive Consultant to the IRF and will work closely with Grandio to effect a seamless transition. He will remain involved in perpetual support of Racquetball around the world.
Elections/Appointments
Following the adjournment of the 2024 IRF World Congress where an at-large election was completed by acclamation, the Board of Directors met immediately afterward to elect officers for a four-year term expiring at the World Congress in 2028. Osvaldo Maggi (Argentina) was re-elected as President; Dr. Estuardo Wer (Guatemala) was chosen as Executive Vice President; Cheryl Kirk (USA) returns as Secretary, Dean Schear (USA) is Treasurer and Rafael Fernandez (DOM) as Central American and Caribbean Vice President. The full Executive Committee can be found on the IRF’s official website at:
www.internationalracquetball.com/executive-committee-24/
Outdoor Racquetball Ratified as IRF Discipline
During the World Congress attended by 18 countries on five continents, National Federation delegates unanimously ratified by vote the inclusion of Outdoor Racquetball as a recognized and developing discipline under the IRF umbrella.
IRF President Osvaldo Maggi said, “This is a great step forward toward enriching and strengthening the international racquetball community by bringing the sport to countries not yet exposed to Racquetball widely, whether indoor or outdoor. We look forward to working with area-of-the-world and country leaders as well as manufacturer sponsors to continue to grow the sport globally.”
After Opening Ceremonies on Friday, August 23, World Championships competition began on Saturday, August 24, and continued through the finals on Saturday, August 31. The Awards presentation was live streamed directly after the conclusion of the Team Competition on the IRF’s YouTube Channel.
###
About the IRF
The International Racquetball Federation is the international governing body of the sport of Racquetball under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee. Founded in 1979, the IRF provides governance, rules, and leadership to its national federation members. The IRF offers three events annually and one, the IRF World Championships, biennially. It is the international umbrella organization for Racquetball over the Olympic Chain of events such as the Pan American Games, World Games, Central American Games, Central American and Caribbean Games, and IRF Regional competitions.
Website: www.internationalracquetball.com
Facebook: International Racquetball Federation
Instagram: international_racquetball
YouTube: international racquetball federation