INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 7th JOINT - IOA

Volleyball Board came up with an idea to establish the VAYTP for
girls in a separate place from the boys. This inquiry was most likely
because the place that had been suggested was part of this member’s
club, and was adequate, but not as suitable as the official AYT for
athletes, which took place within the Wingate Institute.
Finally, after a few more meetings, the decision was locate it in the
Wingate Institute, but not before a few different people tried to
convince us that for the girls it would be better to be in another
boarding school, a more relaxed and less competitive environment.
The only reason to fight for this project was to give those players
everything that a young athlete needs. One of those needs is a
competitive surrounding at least in part of the day. I couldn’t agree,
but luckily, at that stage, some of the members were openly
supporting the project, and the rest, by then, I was aware due to
unseen relations would almost certainly vote for Wingate, maybe not
because of me or the project but rather to vote against the other
members of board.
Some insights:
The idea behind the VAYTP was that for the first time in the
history of female Israeli volleyball, a team of girls and a team of boys
will get the same treatment and the same conditions accordance with
their needs. The role that the female member took in this process was
central to the development of this project and was essential to
achieving the successful end of the project. Nevertheless, it is likely
that without the female board member, the situation of women in the
association could have been worse.
In many aspects, we have learnt that if women want to influence
decision making and to be considered as a significant member in the
board, they have to gain power, and in other words, play within the
rules of the organization-at least as long as they are a significant
minority in the board. It is possible to do this whilst at the same time
maintaining the female identity and values. Power can, however, be
corruptive, and therefore it is crucial not to forget the target you are
struggling to achieve, and to be aware that you are doing it for that
reason and not just to promote yourself.
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