Acapulco, October 22 The re-election by acclamation of Mexican Mario Vazquez Raña as president of the Association of National Olympic Committees on the first day of the XVII ANOC General Assembly came as no surprise. 

ANOC President since 1979, Mario Vazquez Raña ran unopposed.

He is also chair of the Pan American Sports Organization and President of the Olympic Solidarity Commission, as well as a member of the IOC Executive Committee.

Addressing delegates, Vazquez Raña said, “When I was first elected in 1979 in Puerto Rico, I was very excited at the idea of beginning this important new task. Today I feel the same way. ANOC exists to serve the National Olympic Committees and the IOC, and the Olympic Movement is the strongest movement in the world. We are a pyramid, with the IOC at the top. We have set up the foundations for supporting the Olympic Movement worldwide. Today, I do my profession as my hobby but my true job is the Olympic Movement. This is something wonderful.”

The ANOC General Assembly was opened by Mexican President Felipe Calderon, whilst the elections were presided over by IOC President Jacques Rogge (BEL).