ROWING: IOC Vice President and AOC President John Coates has retired from his position as the Oceania Representative on the Council of the World’s Governing body (FISA).

Rowing Australia and FISA have today expressed its sincerest gratitude to Mr Coates after 22 years of service.

Mr Coates was appointed to FISA’s Council as Continental Representative for Oceania in 1992 and has held the post for 22 years. Mr Coates’ exemplary contribution to world rowing was rewarded with FISA’s Medal of Honour at the conclusion of the Olympic rowing events at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. 

On the announcement of his retirement from the Council, Mr Coates said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my 22 years with FISA and the friendships I have made along the way. The obvious highlights for me being the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the World Rowing Championships in New Zealand and I am of course indebted to FISA’s Life Honorary President, Denis Oswald, for recommending me to the role.
 
“I am extremely passionate about the sport of rowing and will continue to be so with regards to promoting, developing and protecting it.”
 
FISA President, Jean-Christophe Roland, thanked Mr Coates for his support over his many years of service: “We will miss John’s contribution in the FISA Council meetings and we would like to express our sincere gratitude on behalf of FISA for all the contributions and support he has shown our great sport.”
 
Mr Coates, who first joined Sydney Rowing Club in 1965, has contributed significantly to Australian rowing, including receiving Life Membership of Sydney Rowing Club, Rowing New South Wales and Rowing Australia in recognition of his support and leadership.
 
RA Chairman, Flavia Gobbo, echoed the sentiments expressed by Mr Roland: “John has continued to work tirelessly for the sport of rowing despite his demanding commitments as the Vice President of the IOC and President of the AOC.
 
“Rowing Australia is extremely grateful to have had John representing it on the FISA Council for so many years, a gratitude that I’m sure extends across the Oceania region. With his enormous passion for our sport as well as his shrewd leadership, John has well served all the Oceania members on the FISA Council. We thank John also for his amazing personal support and interest in our sport which we are sure will continue.”
 
FISA will now look for a replacement Continental Representative for Oceania on the FISA Council.

Rowing Australia release