Extraordinary General Assembly of the UPAG in Panama City
The member federations of the Pan American Gymnastics Union (UPAG) met in Panama to elect the highest authority that will lead the organization for the next two years.
With a total of 27 votes in favor out of 32 present, Nicaraguan Kenia Herrera was elected president of UPAG for the 2025-2027 term. The other four votes went to Gustavo Salazar of Mexico and only one null vote.
In the previous administration, Herrera held the position of vice president for Central America and since January 2025 has assumed the interim presidency, from where she organized projects until the culmination of the Pan American championships for trampoline gymnastics in El Salvador, rhythmic gymnastics in Paraguay and artistic gymnastics in Panama.
During the assembly Naomi Valenzo, former president of the UPAG and current vice president of the FIG, received recognition in gratitude for her 10 years at the head of the organization, “her leadership has been key to the growth, integration and strengthening of gymnastics throughout the Americas,” said the plaque that she raised to applause.
SEEKING TO PROMOTE GYMNASTICS
Kenia has a degree in journalism, graduated in 1995 from the University of Havana, has extensive experience in sport for which she has worked for more than 15 years, as president of the Nicaraguan Gymnastics Federation, the Nicaraguan Institute of Sports, in the Executive Committee of the Olympic Committee of Nicaragua and in her most recent stage as a member of the Council and the Commission of new countries and developing countries of the FIG.
In his vision, he has expressed his desire to promote gymnastics at the highest levels in the Americas, promoting the broad participation of all member countries through the training of all parties involved, from judges to athletes.
“We want to continue strengthening our region with its projection at the international level, we want to work very hard for developing countries, growing together without leaving anyone behind,” he emphasized.
THE FIRST DECISIONS
Other important decisions were discussed at the Assembly, such as the admission of Belize as a provisional member of the UPAG, an initiative that was already adopted by the FIG at its last council.
Brazil was also chosen to host the next Pan American Rhythmic, Artistic and Aerobic Gymnastics Championships in 2026.
