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.
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.
"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."
Among the issues expected to be addressed by the task force recommendations are:
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
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
EDUCATION: Provide curriculum and other educational tools to promote a water polo community of respect, dignity, and fairness to all, especially people of color
RESOURCES: Expand resources for the promotion of tolerance and accessibility within the sport of water polo
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.
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).
George Abele, attorney at Paul Hastings LLP and Mai Lam, USA Water Polo Executive Assistant will provide administrative support for the task force.
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.
"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."
Among the issues expected to be addressed by the task force recommendations are:
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
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
EDUCATION: Provide curriculum and other educational tools to promote a water polo community of respect, dignity, and fairness to all, especially people of color
RESOURCES: Expand resources for the promotion of tolerance and accessibility within the sport of water polo
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.
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).
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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