Dominican Olympic Committee unveils Gallery of former presidents and general secretaries

SANTO DOMINGO.- Part of the history of the national Olympic movement has been captured in photos since the morning of this Tuesday, with the unveiling of the Gallery of former Presidents and General Secretaries of the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD), as well as of the heads who have held the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

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The mural, located at the headquarters of the Olympic house, is an account of the footprints left by those who have been the main leaders that the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) has had since its creation in 1946. The COD’s executive committee stated that the unveiling of the photo gallery is part of the legacy that is intended to be left for future generations, as well as for visitors to the facility to learn about part of the entity’s historical journey. “It is a pleasure for us to have you here sharing this important moment, in which the executive committee of the Dominican Olympic Committee recognizes the trajectory of the leadership of several of its historic members,” expressed the president of the COD, engineer Garibaldy Bautista, in the introductory words. Likewise, the Secretary General of the COD, Luis Chanlatte, Esq., made use of the word, who highlighted the importance of the mural. “It was not possible to visit the facilities of the Dominican Olympic Committee and not know part of its history. From now on, every athlete, leader, and visitor who comes here will be able to stop for a few seconds to see the history of each of those men who have forged this institution,” indicated Mr. Chanlatte, who pointed out that work should continue on the historical legacy of the COD. As representatives of the former presidents and general secretaries of the COD, Dr. José Joaquín Puello Herrera and Rafael -Fey- Duquela thanked the event, which was attended by athletes, sports leaders and former members of the executive committee of the Olympic entity. “I am very excited about this gallery,” expressed Dr. Puello Herrera, who considered that the history of the COD “has been impressive.” “Thanks to the executive committee for this gallery, as history will have to be rewritten again and again,” said Dr. Puello Herrera, who recalled some of his experiences at the head of the national Olympic entity from 1982 to 2004. Fey Duquela considered that the space reserved for presidents and general secretaries is a contribution to the culture that represents the entire history of the Olympic movement. “I am very pleased to be able to share with you. We are and will be Olympians,” said the former secretary of the COD during the period 1975-1982. Prior to the unveiling, videos were presented that bring together the history of the International Olympic Committee and the Dominican Olympic Committee.