WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION FOR ELIDA PÁRRAGA

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The Venezuelan Olympic Committee paid a significant tribute to one of the most prominent and beloved leaders in Venezuela and throughout the Olympic Movement in the Americas.

“This is the happiest day of my life,” said Elida Párraga after receiving the award as part of the International Women’s Day celebration.

In the auditorium of the Venezuelan Olympic Committee, the Women in Sport Commission, led by Sensei Katiuska Santaella, commemorated International Women’s Day, an event attended by prominent women from the sports world.

The celebration had a festive atmosphere, featuring raffles, a talk about women who broke barriers in global and national sports, and a significant tribute to an outstanding woman from that country.

“This is a celebration; for me, it’s a special day. It’s not just the day; it’s Women’s Month. Every day we celebrate the joy of being a woman, and today we want to honor a woman who dedicated her life to sports, Dr. Elida Párraga,” said Katiuska Santaella, secretary general of the COV, president of the Venezuelan Judo Federation, and president of the Women in Sports Commission.

Elida Párraga was one of the most influential, beloved, and respected leaders within the Venezuelan Olympic Committee and the Olympic Movement of the Americas. For decades, she devoted all her professionalism and passion to the sport of her country and the entire continent.

She is currently the president of the Venezuelan Olympic Academy and the chancellor of the Bolivarian Sports Organization (ODEBO).

A true example of dedication and love for Olympic sports, which the COV and its Women in Sports Commission wished to recognize in Ms. Elida by presenting her with an award alongside her peers and naming her an Honorary Member.

“This is the happiest day of my life. I thank Katiuska Santaella for this tribute on such a special day, and also the COV Board of Directors for naming me an honorary member of this institution,” said Párraga.

The talk was led by Milagros Rodríguez, a journalist for the Olympic body and member of the Women in Sport Commission, who spoke about the women who have managed to carve out spaces in the Olympic world, from the ancient Games of Grace to the present day.

The history of women in sports is not a story of permission, but of conquest. From the mother who infiltrated Olympus to the full parity of female athletes’ participation today, women have demonstrated that no goal is unattainable when running toward freedom.