INTERNATIONAL RINGETTE FEDERATION INITIATED NEW GOVERNANCE FORMAT

JANE CASSON RETIRES FROM PRESIDENCY OF THE IRF

 

THE NEW BOARD WILL BE CHAIRED BY MARKKU KOLI

 

The International Ringette Federation (IRF) has arranged the first General Assembly in their new governance format. The IRF is now an officially registered international association, residing in Helsinki, and will be following the association legislation of Finland.

 

Though the format has changed, the roles and responsibilities of the IRF remain the same. To first and foremost promote the sport of ringette around the world. One of the biggest benefits of this new structure is the increased ability to be nimble when applying for new grants and funding, which will allow the IRF to become more transparent and sustainable.

 

This first General Assembly focused primarily on Board elections and items of transition from the previous governance format. Markku Koli from Finland was elected to the seat of Chairman of the Board, and President of the IRF. The General Assembly also elected four members to the IRF Board. New members include Julie Vézina and Shelley Coolidge from Canada, Anna Norrbom from Sweden and Sanja Hovilainen from Finland.

 

In 2023, the new Board’s focus will be on facilitating the World Ringette Championships in 2023 and 2025.

 

This important first General Assembly was chaired by out-going President of the IRF, Jane Casson. Jane has been instrumental in creating the new governance model and has been a wonderful servant of the IRF over the past 8 years. First, as the IRF Vice-President, and then taking over the position of President.

 

The last few years have been challenging for sport across the globe. Jane Casson used her leadership and empathy to guide the IRF through the Pandemic era and around some very tense ground surrounding the war in Europe. During this period, the IRF was forced to postpone the World Ringette Championships in Finland due to changing international restrictions, and the uncertainty of differing national agendas were continuously being balanced.

 

These difficult times required the passion, commitment, and comforting approach of Jane Casson. Her positive attitude was essential in keeping things moving forward, and in finding a common spirit in times of exceptional challenges. The newly elected President, Markku Koli expressed the gratitude of IRF members in his remarks to Jane Casson.

 

Even though Jane is stepping down from her role as IRF President, her example and influence will remain as guiding lights for the international ringette community. Knowing Jane, we will no doubt see her at the next World Championship event in Canada in October 2023.  There will always be a place for Jane Casson in the ringette family and the IRF would very much like to thank Jane for her leadership, guidance, and friendship over these past 8 years. We will miss you.