Water Polo's Mercado Named to USA Water Polo Racial Equity & Reform Task Force
7/21/2020 12:44:00 PM | Men's Water Polo, Women's Water Polo, Diversity & Inclusion
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Brown University men's and women's water polo head coach Felix Mercado has been named to USA Water Polo's Racial Equity & Reform Task Force, USA Water Polo announced on Thursday, July 16.
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The task force is charged with ensuring zero tolerance of racism and expanding access to water polo for all – especially people of color. The group is co-chaired by legendary athlete and board member Brenda Villa, and Chief High Performance Officer John Abdou.
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"To be a part of this task force is an honor and combines two of my most important passions – water polo and diversity and inclusion," Mercado said. "I look forward to working and collaborating with an incredible group of people. I know we will do great things for our sport and communities of color."
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Among the issues expected to be addressed by the task force recommendations are:
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ZERO TOLERANCE: Ensure USAWP organizational processes at national, regional and club levels are free from racism and bias, and include meaningful remedies to safeguard accountability
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ACCESS: Increase participation in water polo among communities of color, including partnerships with clubs and other relevant organizations that will expand access to water polo aquatics facilities
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EDUCATION: Provide curriculum and other educational tools to promote a water polo community of respect, dignity, and fairness to all, especially people of color
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RESOURCES: Expand resources for the promotion of tolerance and accessibility within the sport of water polo
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Hailing from states across the country, with a variety of backgrounds and experiences, the nine appointees to the task force include: Olympic athletes, collegiate athletes, club athletes, coaches, referees, team administrators and parents.
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Joining Mercado, Villa, and Abdou on the task force are: Ted Minnis (Collegiate Coach – Massachusetts), Chelsea Johnson (Club Coach – Florida), Clarke Weatherspoon (Club Coach – California), Angela Uno (Referee – Texas), Ivan Munoz (Club Administrator – Illinois), Mariko Rooks (Collegiate Athlete – Connecticut), Scott Newberger (Parent/Club Volunteer – Arizona) and Tumua Tavana (Anae) (Olympic Champion – Utah).
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George Abele, attorney at Paul Hastings LLP and Mai Lam, USA Water Polo Executive Assistant will provide administrative support for the task force.
Â
The task force is charged with ensuring zero tolerance of racism and expanding access to water polo for all – especially people of color. The group is co-chaired by legendary athlete and board member Brenda Villa, and Chief High Performance Officer John Abdou.
Â
"To be a part of this task force is an honor and combines two of my most important passions – water polo and diversity and inclusion," Mercado said. "I look forward to working and collaborating with an incredible group of people. I know we will do great things for our sport and communities of color."
Â
Among the issues expected to be addressed by the task force recommendations are:
Â
ZERO TOLERANCE: Ensure USAWP organizational processes at national, regional and club levels are free from racism and bias, and include meaningful remedies to safeguard accountability
Â
ACCESS: Increase participation in water polo among communities of color, including partnerships with clubs and other relevant organizations that will expand access to water polo aquatics facilities
Â
EDUCATION: Provide curriculum and other educational tools to promote a water polo community of respect, dignity, and fairness to all, especially people of color
Â
RESOURCES: Expand resources for the promotion of tolerance and accessibility within the sport of water polo
Â
Hailing from states across the country, with a variety of backgrounds and experiences, the nine appointees to the task force include: Olympic athletes, collegiate athletes, club athletes, coaches, referees, team administrators and parents.
Â
Joining Mercado, Villa, and Abdou on the task force are: Ted Minnis (Collegiate Coach – Massachusetts), Chelsea Johnson (Club Coach – Florida), Clarke Weatherspoon (Club Coach – California), Angela Uno (Referee – Texas), Ivan Munoz (Club Administrator – Illinois), Mariko Rooks (Collegiate Athlete – Connecticut), Scott Newberger (Parent/Club Volunteer – Arizona) and Tumua Tavana (Anae) (Olympic Champion – Utah).
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George Abele, attorney at Paul Hastings LLP and Mai Lam, USA Water Polo Executive Assistant will provide administrative support for the task force.
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