Berlin, Germany: Despite overwhelming call from many countries for Australia’s Alan Whelpton, AO to re-stand as President of the ILS, Alan formally resigned from the top role after eight years.
In Berlin for the ILS General Assembly and the Life Saving World Championships, Alan was awarded Life Governor of ILS, a role that will still see him involved in the ILS in a more advisory role.
As the former President of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) for 26 years, Alan has made a significant contribution to international lifesaving for more than 30 years and he said he will continue to help out where he can.
“When I took on the role of ILS President I took on a four year term, but I was asked to take on another four year term which I was happy to do,” he said.
“But now I think is the time to have someone younger take on the role and have some fresh changes.”
“Looking back I think some of the big achievements during my time have been getting equal competition in both the pool and the ocean events ” it was a challenge but now we have one unified competition for both men and women which is fantastic.”
“Another achievement has been getting some of the major Asian countries involved in International Life Saving such as China, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei.”
“The ILS is focused on growing international competition and we will continue working with the International Olympic Committee to eventually get lifesaving events in the Olympic Games.
“I will continue to sit on various ILS meetings and workshops and help where I can ” but I am looking forward to retirement, said Alan Whelpton.”
The newly elected President is Dr. Steve Beerman, MD from Canada, with several of Australia ‘s top lifesaving officials forming a part of numerous boards and committees.
The ILS General Assembly brought together almost 60 countries from around the world to discuss matters facing life saving around the world such as reducing the number of drownings, increasing funding into humanitarian programmes around the world as well as further building lifesaving sport.
