MFDC Extraordinary General Assembly Concludes with New Leadership and Strategic Direction
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- Jul 15
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For immediate release -- July 15, 2025
MFDC Extraordinary General Assembly Concludes with New Leadership and Strategic Direction
July 15, 2025
The Mediterranean Flying Disc Confederation (MFDC) convened an Extraordinary General Assembly on July 13, 2025, via online conference, to approve new statutes and address key organizational matters.
The confederation now has 15 Full Members, comprised of WFDF’s national members in Albania, Croatia, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Monaco, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Serbia, Slovenia, and Türkiye.
A major outcome was the adoption of a new Statutes document aligning with WFDF and CIJM requirements. The Assembly also ratified a Memorandum of Understanding with WFDF and approved the official MFDC headquarters in Rome, Italy.
The Assembly held elections under the new Statutes. Elected unanimously:
- President: Vanessa Soraya Padre Eterno (POR)
- Vice President (Finance): Salvatore Comis (ITA)
- Governing Council Members:
o Africa: Samir Ahmed (EGY)
o Asia: Rayan Saade (LBN)
o Europe: Şevval Cihankaya (TUR)
- Secretary General: Marco Tomasini (ITA)
Robert “Nob” Rauch, WFDF President stated “It is a great step forward to have our Associate Member MFDC finalizing its organizational matters and be in a position to promote our sport in the Mediterranean region. It has been an exciting week as we also received the news from CIJM that Flying Disc will be a demonstration sport at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, from 21 August to 3 September.”
“I am honored by the trust placed in me and inspired by the unity and vision displayed at this Assembly,” said Vanessa Soraya Padre Eterno, newly elected President of the MFDC. “The MFDC is entering an exciting new era of growth and collaboration. Under our new Statutes, we will work closely with the WFDF and CIJM to expand participation and develop flying disc sports across the Mediterranean region. Together with our committed Board and member federations, we will ensure this sport reaches its full potential in the years ahead.”
Michele Barbone was elected as Honorary President. Stavri Bello and Gianni Gallo were also appointed as Honorary Members in recognition of their contributions.
Michele Barbone, who was the past MFDC President, also addressed the delegates: “It is deeply gratifying to witness the MFDC evolve and embrace a clear strategic direction,” he said. “I have full confidence in the new leadership and am proud that our hard work has led to a robust governance structure and strong partnerships. The outlook for flying disc sports in our region has never been brighter, and I look forward to supporting these initiatives in the years ahead.”
The MFDC’s Educational Plan was presented and approved. It includes coaching seminars, youth outreach, and development programs to expand the sport regionally.
The Mediterranean Flying Disc Confederation (MFDC) is a confederation of National Flying Disc Federation members with the main objective being the promotion and development of Flying Disc in the countries of the Mediterranean region, spanning the continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe. MFDC also intends to strive for the introduction and maintenance of Flying Disc in the Mediterranean Games. MFDC was formed in 2021 and is an Associate Member of WFDF.
The International Committee of Mediterranean Games (French: Comité International Des Jeux Méditerranéens, CIJM) is the organization of the National Olympic Committees which presides, regulates and organizes the Mediterranean Games. The first official Mediterranean Games were held in Egypt in 1951 and the CIJM was founded in 1961. At present, 26 countries participate in the games.
The World Flying Disc Federation (“WFDF”) is the international sports federation responsible for world governance of flying disc (frisbee) sports, including Ultimate, Beach Ultimate, Disc Golf, Freestyle, Guts, and Individual Events. Formed in 1985, WFDF is a federation of 122 member associations, which represent flying disc sports and their athletes in more than 118 countries. WFDF is an International Federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and the International University Sports Federation (FISU), a member of the SportAccord, the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF), the International World Games Association (IWGA), the International Masters Games Association (IMGA), and the Association for the International Sport for All (TAFISA). WFDF is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code and is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation in the state of Colorado, USA.
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