Congratulations, Sean!

Congratulations to DSI Elite Performer Sean Smullen for being elected WDSF Professional Division (PD) representative on the WDSF Athletes’ Commission for the next four years.

Sean’s term started in July 2019 after previous representative Lina Chatkeviciute’s four-year term finished at the 2019 WDSF AGM in Budapest, Hungary.

The WDSF Athletes’ Commission posted on the WDSF website that they were looking for candidates to apply for the position. Sean applied and was successfully elected as the new representative.

He said: “I applied for this job as I feel with my experience serving in the Presidium of the DanceSport Federation of Ireland for many years especially in the Athletes Commission, Competition Commission and Rules Commission I have gained valuable negotiating skills, understanding of procedures, rules and co-operation.”

Since he was elected, Sean got to work straight away. He has already arranged a meeting at the 2019 German Open Championship between the Professional Athletes and the PD Management Board.

“I have organised this meeting to gain a deeper understanding of the great work being done by the PD management board and to give the PD Athletes the opportunity to voice their opinions and comments to improve the PD for the future,” he said.

The purpose of Sean’s new role is: to represent the interests of the Professional Division athletes, to advise the PD management board and WDSF Athletes’ Commission on matters relevant to PD athletes, to influence decisions made by the PD management board and WDSF Presidium with respect to PD athletes and, finally, to improve communications between the PD management board and the PD athletes.

Sean will travel to Athens in August to meet with the other members of the WDSF Athletes’ Commission. In his new position, he will also regularly meet with athletes, officials and the PD management board.

“We must always understand the past to better understand the present and prepare for the future,” he said. “It is important for me to understand exactly what the athletes want and what the PD management board are working towards, so that I can do the best possible job for the PD.”

How did Sean feel when he was elected? “It is a huge honour to represent the PD athletes,” he said. “I feel both excited and determined to get to work. Especially in a time when there is huge excitement and buzz around the Professional Division.”  We wish Sean the best of luck in his position!