World Baton Twirling Federation honors Sandi Wiemers
The World Baton Twirling Federation (WBTF) recognized twirling icon Sandi Wiemers for her longtime contributions to the WBTF and the sport of baton twirling during the closing ceremonies of the 35th World Baton Twirling Championship, which was held in August in Turin, Italy.
Wiemers is the current WBTF president, a position she has held for 14 years (2008-2022). Prior to that, she served six years as WBTF vice-president (2002-2008) and eight years as WBTF Board Member Representative for USTA (1996-2002). In all, Wiemers has been part of the WBTF leadership for 26 years.
During that time, the WBTF worked to expand the sport of baton twirling to more countries around the world, which is one necessary step toward being recognized as an Olympic sport.
USTA has also benefited from Wiemers' leadership and dedication. During the past 51 years, she has been a coach, a judge, a member of every USTA committee or commission, as well as a member of the USTA Board of Directors for 20 years, 12 of those years as president. She was instrumental in the development of a new business plan and structure for USTA and the improvement of training programs for coaches and judges. She was also the driving force behind the development of USTA's first website; a computer tabulation program for competitions; an online membership and entry registration system; and an online accounting system for USTA. She was inducted into the USTA Hall of Fame in 2013.
2022 marked the last WBTF World Championship, as the next World Championship will be hosted by the International Baton Twirling Federation (IBTF), an organization of both WBTF and WNBTA organizations. It will be held in August 2023 in Liverpool, England. Wiemers also serves as the IBTF president.
USTA congratulates Sandi Wiemers on her recognition from the WBTF and her longtime service to USTA and the sport of baton twirling!