Carrasco voted Asian representative to ITU

TRIATHLON president Tom Carrasco, the incoming Philippine Olympic Committee chair, has been elected by the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) executive board as the new Asian Area Representative to the International Triathlon Union (ITU) executive board starting next month.

Carrasco, also the ASTC senior vice president, is to replace Singapore’s David Hoong, who has served as the region’s representative in the last four years.

The vote was held during the 52nd ASTC board meeting on Nov. 24 in Subic Bay.

Carrasco’s election was necessitated by ASTC president Yu Kyung-sun inability to fully perform his duties due to business commitments.

Traditionally, the ITU encourages continental presidents to act as area representatives, although the decision is left to the regional bodies to elect their representatives.

The representative coordinates with the ITU the sports development activities of the continent and ensures that the region adheres to the global body’s policies and programs.

Meanwhile, the ASTC also formed a commission on Asian paratriathletes with Hong Kong triathlon head Philip Penaloza as chair.

Carrasco said that a paratriathlon competition will be the concluding event of the three-day 2013 Asian Triathlon Championships which will be hosted by the Subic Bay Freeport.