Singleton No Longer on WOA Executive after IOC Concerns
IslandStats.com
Pernilla Wiberg OLY has been elected as the first female President of the World Olympians Association (WOA), marking a dramatic change in leadership following intense scrutiny from the International Olympic Committee.
In a landmark General Assembly in early 2026, the double Olympic champion from Sweden secured a historic victory, mirroring the recent election of Kirsty Coventry as the first female President of the IOC. Wiberg’s ascent follows an eight-month period of turmoil for the WOA, triggered by severe "governance and financial concerns" raised by the IOC Ethics Commission in May 2025.
The commission had specifically named the previous executive leadership—President Joël Bouzou, Secretary General Anthony Ledgard, CEO Mike Miller, and Treasurer Patrick Singleton of Bermuda—in a letter that questioned the organization's internal controls. In a clear signal for reform, none of the individuals named in that report were re-elected to the new Executive Committee.
The transition has not been without its defensive salvos. Just days after the IOC's concerns became public last year, the WOA published an article titled "Another 5 years of clean financial audits for WOA," which appeared to directly counter the Ethics Commission's findings.
Bermuda’s Singleton, who served as Treasurer during the period under investigation, was central to that defense. He has never been elected, and is the self proclaimed President of Bermuda Olympians Association, was quoted emphasizing the rigidity of the WOA's financial systems:
"We have very strong controls in place. For instance, four separate signatures are needed before any payment can be made. Our highly experienced Swiss external accountant runs our accounting function. And when specific specialised tax or other advice is needed, we enlist the help of top Swiss or International legal or accounting companies."
Reports indicated that following the completion of his term as the WOA Athletes' Commission Representative in 2021, he was later removed from the IOC Medical Commission, as noted in reports from late 2023.
Despite these assurances, the voting delegates at the General Assembly opted for a clean slate, ending the decade-long tenure of the previous administration.
Wiberg enters the role with one of the most distinguished resumes in the Olympic movement. A former Alpine Skiing World Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist, her administrative experience is equally formidable:
IOC Member: Served as an active member and on the IOC Athletes’ Commission. WOA Executive: Held the position of Vice-President until her election. Liaison: Acted as a key bridge between the WOA and the IOC Athletes’ Commission.
The new Executive Committee, which includes Nigeria’s Olumide Oyedeji as Secretary General and Chinese Taipei’s Thomas Tang as Treasurer, represents a global and gender-balanced shift for the organization. Wiberg has vowed to restore full confidence in the WOA, stating that her focus will be on "transparency, inclusiveness, and placing the needs of Olympians at the heart of every decision."
Monday, January 19, 2026
Referee Corner Excellence in Action Live
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) has renewed its strategic partnership with IslandStats.com in an ambitious bid to bolster the ranks of local match officials for the 2026 season.
Faced with the perennial challenge of official shortages, the governing body is turning to digital innovation to inspire a new generation of referees. The collaboration aims to pull back the curtain on the profession, framing refereeing not just as an essential service to the game, but as a viable pathway for personal development and international travel.
The centerpiece of the recruitment drive is the special weekly segment, "Excellence in Action," which is set to air today at 4:30 PM on the platform's Referees Corner show. The broadcast serves as the front line for the BFA’s messaging, targeting football enthusiasts who may never have considered picking up the whistle.
Today’s programme features a high-profile panel of Canadian officials, including Bradley Doubrough, Twayne Anderson, and Renzo Villanueva. The trio, all established figures on the Canada Soccer national list, will share their experiences of navigating the professional ranks in North America and the unique opportunities provided by the Concacaf region.
The discussion is expected to highlight the multifaceted benefits of certification, ranging from: Pathways to international experience via FIFA and Concacaf appointments. Income generation as a part-time or professional career. Leadership skills that translate directly into professional life outside of sport.
By leveraging a live digital platform, the BFA and IslandStats are aiming for unprecedented transparency in how officials are trained and evaluated. The hope is that by humanizing the men and women in the middle, the "Excellence in Action" segment can break down barriers and encourage former players and fans to see the sport from a new, essential perspective.
"Improving the quality of football in Bermuda starts with the investment and encouragement of our match officials," a BFA spokesperson noted. With veteran Bermudian officials like Sar Smith and Amaury Majors already making waves on the international stage, the BFA believes the infrastructure is in place to support any newcomer from the grass-roots to the global arena.
Monday, January 19, 2026
OpenMat Bermuda Stars Secure Podium finishes in Toronto
IslandStats.com
Bermudian athletes from the OpenMat Bermuda academy have made their mark on the international stage, securing a hard-earned medal haul at the Grappling Industries TORONTO tournament in Canada.
The two-day event, held at the historic Kerr Hall Gymnasium at Toronto Metropolitan University, saw over 1,500 competitors battle it out in a round-robin format. For the travelling Bermuda contingent, the weekend was a showcase of grit and technical prowess across both the junior and adult divisions.
The highlight of the weekend came from Thea Dyer, who continues to establish herself as a rising star in the junior ranks. Competing in the Gi Kids Yellow/Orange belt (12-13 years) division at -115 lbs, Dyer navigated a tough bracket to secure a Silver Medal. Her performance follows a rigorous training block and reinforces her status as one of the island’s top young Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prospects.
In the adult categories, Ryan Hopkins delivered a standout performance in the No Gi Intermediate (Blue Belt) -200 lbs division. Hopkins displayed exceptional resilience, advancing through the brackets to reach the semi-finals. Despite a narrow defeat in the final four, Hopkins rebounded emphatically in the third-place play-off to secure the Bronze Medal, capping off a weekend where his technical growth was on full display.
Adding to the family success, Ashley Dyer secured a dual medal haul in the competitive blue belt divisions. Competing in the Adult Female -155 lbs category, she earned a Silver Medal in the Gi discipline before returning to the mats to claim Bronze in the No Gi Intermediate bracket. Her performance underscored the depth of talent within the Bermuda squad, contributing significantly to the team's overall standing.
The tournament also provided valuable international experience for the academy’s developing athletes. In the Gi Kids Grey belt (8-9 years) -75 lbs category, Nahla Ndiaye secured a morale-boosting victory. Making her international debut at the grey belt level, Ndiaye’s single win in a crowded division marked a successful step up in competition. Joining her in making a debut was Stian Du Preez, who competed in the 65 lbs division, showing the heart and skill that suggests a bright future on the competition scene.
Meanwhile, Elijah Richardson represented Bermuda in the Gi Adult Male Blue Belt -185 lbs division. Richardson claimed a gritty victory in the round-robin stage, demonstrating the competitive drive that has elevated him through the ranks at home. While he ultimately missed out on the podium spots, his performance in a division known for its immense technical depth was a testament to the high-level preparation at the OpenMat facility.
The success in Toronto continues a strong run for OpenMat Bermuda. Academy founder Aaron Dyer praised the team’s supportive culture, noting that the event was "a statement about the strength of our programme." The academy has increasingly looked to the high-volume match experience provided by the Toronto circuit to drive the international growth of its athletes.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Islandstats.com Football Show Live at 6 pm
IslandStats.com
The much-anticipated "IslandStats Football Show" is set to grace the airwaves once again today at 6:00 pm, serving as a vital hub for Bermuda’s football enthusiasts as the season enters its most critical phase.
With the domestic calendar now officially in its second half, the weekly program promises to deliver comprehensive updates and expert analysis of the Premier and First Divisions. As the race for silverware intensifies and the threat of the drop looms large, the show aims to be the go-to destination for die-hard supporters and casual observers alike.
With just under three months remaining in the league season, the primary talking point is the relentless form of the Devonshire Colts. However, the margin for error is non-existent. The chasing Dandy Town Hornets and the PHC Zebras are breathing down their necks. Tonight’s show will feature tactical breakdowns of how the Colts have maintained their momentum during a grueling schedule and whether they have the depth to see the job through to March.
At the other end of the table, the drama is equally compelling. The "IslandStats" panel will delve into the plight of Young Men’s Social Club and the St. George’s Colts, both of whom find themselves firmly entrenched in the relegation spots.
The Boulevard Blazers, currently sitting at the bottom of the pile with just 3 points, and ninth-placed Social Club, on 7 points, with the St. George’s only ahead of Social Club on goal difference. Tonight’s program will look at the potential "great escapes" on the horizon and what changes these storied clubs must make to retain their Premier Division status for 2026/27 season.
Meanwhile the First Division title race remains uncertain as Robin Hood lead the league by three points over Somerset Trojans who are hoping to get the better of their neighbours Somerset Eagles before showtime.
Expect more than just match results and score updates. The show’s dynamic format invites coaches, players, and Bermuda Football Association (BFA) officials to join live discussions, providing firsthand insights that fans rarely get to hear elsewhere.
From candid reflections on recent performances to behind-the-scenes looks at transfer movements, the "IslandStats Football Show" promises to enrich the local football discourse. Whether it’s discussing the standard of officiating or the development of the island’s youth prospects, the show remains the heartbeat of Bermudian football media.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
A Walk Down Memory Lane: Norbert Simons tales of Track & Trojans
IslandStats.com
Tonight, Bermuda’s sporting history takes center stage as "A Walk Down Memory Lane" returns to look back at the multifaceted career of one of the island’s most respected sports administrators and coaches.
At 7:30 pm, hosts Earl Basden and Dennis Brown will sit down with Norbert Simons, a man whose influence on Bermudian sport stretches from the Carifta track to the touchlines of the island’s most storied football club.
While many know Simons for his long-standing tenure as the Director of Youth and Sports, tonight’s show will delve into his roots as an elite athlete. A former Carifta Games competitor, Simons was part of a golden era of Bermudian track and field, and the show will explore how that competitive foundation paved the way for his transition into elite coaching and administration.
The headline of the evening, however, will be the reminiscing of Simons' time leading the Somerset Trojans. "Silver City" has a long history of hosting global icons, but few moments match the drama of facing the English giants.
Simons will discuss the high-profile clashes against Manchester United and Arsenal. Most notably: The 1987 Man Utd Tour: A match famous for Sir Alex Ferguson actually making a playing appearance for the Red Devils against the Trojans. The Arsenal Connection: Tales from the era when North London’s finest brought the "Double-winning" pedigree of the early 70s to Bermudian soil.
Whether you're a fan of track and field or a Somerset loyalist wanting to relive the glory days of the Trojans, tonight’s broadcast promises to be a masterclass in Bermudian sporting heritage.
