Jeroen Peters elected new Home Countries Masters chairperson

Jeroen Peters has been elected as the new chairperson of the Home Countries Masters Swimming Management Group (HCMSMG).

He will follow on from Nicola Latty, who has announced that she will be stepping down from the role after five years as chairperson.

The HCMSMG is best known for being responsible for the annual British Masters Championships, with the hosting duties rotating between each of the home nations every year.

Jeroen, who is also the chairperson of the Swim England Masters Working Group, will become the HCMSMG chairperson for a four year period.

He previously held the responsibility of representing England on the HCMSMG, but this position has now been filled by City of Sheffield’s Jonathan Saunders, who is vice-chairperson of the Swim England Masters Working Group.

After being elected as the new chairperson, Jeroen explained that he was ‘proud to take up the role’ and to continue supporting the masters community.

Proud to take on the role

He said: “I would like to thank Nicola [Latty] for the many hours she has put into the role. Not only as chair, but before that as the rep for Wales.

“I am proud to be taking on the role and following on from the great work done by Nicola over the years.

“I would also like to thank Eddie Riach, representing Scotland, and Karen Howells for Wales, for putting their trust in me as the new chairperson.

“I am excited to continue supporting masters swimmers and the masters community as a whole.”

When asked about his new responsibilities going forward, Jeroen was quick to recognise the governance of the HCMSMG.

He added: “We have to make sure that the masters swimmers are central in all decision-making.

“While it is difficult to please everybody all of the time, I will give the entire community the assurance that we will listen to all views that are expressed before coming to a decision and be transparent about those decisions.”

Saunders also discussed his feelings on his new role, saying: “I’m delighted to be taking up the role of the England representative for the Home Countries Masters Swimming Management Group.

“I’m looking forward to working with the other home countries reps to look after the masters swimming community and maintain the excellent quality of the British Masters Championships.”