Sithole to lead GEF African Development Foundation

VETERAN sports administrator, Tommy Ganda Sithole, has been appointed president of the Africa Esports Development Federation.

Sithole is a former International Olympic director of international co-operation and development, Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa secretary-general and Zimbabwe Olympic Committee president.

He has also represented the international sports community, at the United Nations, as director and deputy representative at the IOC Observer Mission to the United Nations, in New York.

He is the GEF vice president and chairperson of the organisation’s governance, ethics and membership commission.

A seasoned journalist, Sithole is the chairman of the Zimbabwe Newspapers board of directors.

“The Global Esports Federation has approved the establishment of continental Esports Development Federations, strengthening its commitment to the sustainable development of esports communities around the world,’’ the GEF said in a statement.

“Through the Esports Development Federations, the GEF will provide the resources, education and support to deliver on its mission of being in service to the esports community, everywhere.

“The Africa Esports Development Federation and the Pan Am Esports Development Federation were established to convene and support the development, education and growth of the esports community in their respective continents.’’

GEF president, Chris Chan, said this was part of their efforts to shape the future of esports.

“As the convening platform for the world’s esports community, we recognise the Global Esports Federation’s capability to assist developing parts of the world, to accelerate inclusion for all, and to shape the future of esports,’’ Chan said.

“We are grateful to our colleagues for accepting to lead the Development Federations as we create a stronger #worldconnected <https://www.globalesports.org/allposts/hashtags/worldconnected> community together.’’

Two years ago, Sithole and Tyrone Seward became members of a Global Esports Federation, when it was launched in Singapore. Seward is the husband of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Kirsty Coventry. The organisation said its mission was to try and marry the fast-growing modern sport with Olympic values, often tied to traditional ones.

Africa Esports Development Federation

President: T.A. Ganda Sithole (Zimbabwe)

GEF Vice President

Chair, Governance, Ethics & Membership Commission

Secretary General: Sayo Owolabi (Nigeria)

GEF Education, Culture, Youth Commission

GEF International Relations & Development Commission

Pan Am Esports Development Federation

President: Mario Cilenti (Argentina)

GEF Board Member

Chair, International Relations & Development Commission

Vice President: Melita N. Moore MD (USA)