Luisito Pie, who won taekwondo bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympics has joined the Commission which will continue to be led by judoka Dulce María Piña, an Olympian in 1996 and twice a bronze medallist at the Pan American Games.

"Our purpose is to guide and help athletes prepare and be able to occupy roles in the sporting world," Piña said.

The Commission also includes Ana Montilla from karate, Mireya Altagracia Tejeda, representing rowing and canoeing, Cecilia Suero from athletics, swimmer Margarita Jaques, archer Carlina Guzmán, Pily Báez Sousa from bowling, table tennis player Blanca Iris Alejo and Matilde Guerrero, an honoured figure in Dominican Republic sport.

Meanwhile 45 athletes have also taken part in a workshop on first aid organised by the Dominican Republic Volleyball Federation in association with Dr. Heida Joaquín Tineo, specialist in sports medicine. 

It had been prompted by an incident in December at the Cibao Volleyball Cup in Puerto Plata when an official and player had both been injured and there was inadequate expertise on hand to offer assistance.

"What motivated us to carry out this workshop was what happened in Puerto Plata, that inexperienced hands, instead of giving good first aid worsened the situation of that athlete and that official," explained regional volleyball development centre head Alexis Garcia.

All participants qualified for certificates authorising them to offer first aid services at national and international tournaments.

Each qualification must be renewed on an annual basis.