Last week in Arlington the annual meeting of SWATA was held and it was one of the more successful meetings in recent memory. We ended up with more than 700 athletic trainers in attendance and a great time was had by all. It was a historic week in more than one sense. Current National Director Brian Conway was inducted into the SWATA Hall of Fame. At the SWATA business meeting on Saturday afternoon we voted to ratify a new constitution in a near unanimous vote. This new constitution will allow for the association to grow and change in the years to come without constantly needing to amend the document. Because of the new constitution next year we will elect a vice president who will become the first SWATA two year president after their vice presidential term. We will also elect our district secretary next year as well as Arkansas State Rep. We will post more on that in the upcoming months.
We had a great welcome reception at the Texas Rangers little league ball park as the Student Committee played a kickball game against the Young Professionals Committee. If you were there you know what a great time everyone had. Newly elected executive board member Chris Hall should be commended for the execution of the game and reception.
Special thanks also go out to our two NATA Presidential candidates. Current NATA President Marje Albohm and also former district two national director Joe Iezzi were in attendance. Finally we had a very moving keynote address from Kevin Everett. Kevin, if you remember, played football for the Buffalo Bills and was paralyzed during the course of a football game. Given little chance to ever walk again he discussed his struggle and how hard work and faith allowed him to be able to walk again.
Special commendation should go to several people as we close the book on SWATA Annual Meeting 2009. Outgoing past president Melinda Terry for all of her hard work and dedication during her time as an elected member of the executive board. Past President Dan O'Connor should also be recognized for his tireless work as President. Because of his leadership we will have this wonderful new constitution to help guide us in the future. Last and certainly not least Parliamentarian Lorna Strong can not be thanked enough for her tireless efforts in the rewriting of not only the constitution, but also the new standing rules.
Be looking to this Blog in the upcoming year as we will keep you more informed and involved with SWATA than ever before. I am looking forward to serving you as president from now until our 2010 meeting.
Mike Carroll
SWATA President
We had a great welcome reception at the Texas Rangers little league ball park as the Student Committee played a kickball game against the Young Professionals Committee. If you were there you know what a great time everyone had. Newly elected executive board member Chris Hall should be commended for the execution of the game and reception.
Special thanks also go out to our two NATA Presidential candidates. Current NATA President Marje Albohm and also former district two national director Joe Iezzi were in attendance. Finally we had a very moving keynote address from Kevin Everett. Kevin, if you remember, played football for the Buffalo Bills and was paralyzed during the course of a football game. Given little chance to ever walk again he discussed his struggle and how hard work and faith allowed him to be able to walk again.
Special commendation should go to several people as we close the book on SWATA Annual Meeting 2009. Outgoing past president Melinda Terry for all of her hard work and dedication during her time as an elected member of the executive board. Past President Dan O'Connor should also be recognized for his tireless work as President. Because of his leadership we will have this wonderful new constitution to help guide us in the future. Last and certainly not least Parliamentarian Lorna Strong can not be thanked enough for her tireless efforts in the rewriting of not only the constitution, but also the new standing rules.
Be looking to this Blog in the upcoming year as we will keep you more informed and involved with SWATA than ever before. I am looking forward to serving you as president from now until our 2010 meeting.
Mike Carroll
SWATA President
Posts
2 comments:
I would like to echo what president Carrol said. Over the years I have watched SWATA grow and ebb. I was very encouraged after this years meeting. Our young people are motivating and moving us forward in a positive direction. I urge all of you to become involved with our organization. Disrict 6 continues to lead. Lets all work together and make Athletic Training "The" profession to be a part of.
Well said Mike. For years we heard that the young people and students were apathetic and didn't care to be involved. Wow was that ever inaccurate. Our Young Professionals Committee and our newly reformed Student Leadership and Development Committee have great ideas and great projects going on right now. The future of the association is bright.
Post a Comment