The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has re-elected Shaikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa as member of the Athletes’ Entourage Commission, the Bahrain Olympic Committee has announced.

Shaikha Hayat is Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) board member and chairwoman of the Women’s Sport Committee, who has made significant contributions to sports development in Bahrain and in the region.

Her efforts are recognised by IOC, which announced the decision in a letter sent to the BOC, as Shaikha Hayat has become one of 31-member board, being headed by former pole vaulter champion Sergey Bubka of Ukraine.

Comprising all the people associated with the athletes, the commission includes managers, agents, coaches, physical trainers, medical staff, scientists, sports organisations, sponsors, lawyers and any person promoting the athlete’s sporting career, including family members.

Among responsibilities of the entourage is to act with due diligence and in the best interest of the athlete, short-term interests should not take precedence over a successful and balanced athletic career and a long-term partnership.

As for the athletes, it’s their responsibility to act responsibly, choosing their Entourage members with care and with the exercise of due diligence and to use their best efforts to ensure that any contract is negotiated with fair conditions.