WHOC BOARD OF MANAGERS 2026
Discover our WHOC 2026 organizing team
Alfonso Sabbatini
Founder & CEO
Alfonso is the Founder and President of the World Hoopers Open Championship. He created the WHOC with the vision of offering dogs and handlers from all over the world an international stage fully dedicated to Hoopers. His role is to guide the overall direction of the project, protect its values, and support the growth of the Championship as a fair, inclusive, and internationally recognised event.
Renata Maurantonio
Team Manager Coordinator
Renata serves as Team Manager Coordinator for the WHOC. She supports the relationship between the organisation and the national teams, helping to coordinate team-related information, communication, and operational needs before and during the Championship.
Michele Mossa
Event Administration Manager
Michele is responsible for the organisation and coordination of the WHOC event administration area. His work supports the operational structure of the Championship, with particular attention to documentation, registrations, information flows, and organisational procedures related to the event.
Clara Cavretti
Social Media & Communications Manager
Clara is responsible for WHOC social media and communication. She supports the public image of the Championship through online content, updates, storytelling, and community engagement, helping the WHOC reach handlers, teams, and Hoopers enthusiasts worldwide.
Walter Cleva
Board Technology Officer
Walter Cleva supports the WHOC Board in the development and coordination of the Championship’s technological infrastructure. His role focuses on digital tools, operational workflows, data management, event systems, and the technical solutions required to support the organisation and smooth running of the WHOC.
WHOC International Ambassadors
The WHOC International Ambassadors are professionals and supporters of Hoopers who have chosen to contribute, on a voluntary basis, to the international promotion and development of the World Hoopers Open Championship.
It is a voluntary position created to build a network of people who, through their experience, professionalism, and enthusiasm, can help share the values of the WHOC and increase its visibility around the world.
In countries where the WHOC is not yet established or does not yet have a local organisational structure, Ambassadors may also act as a liaison and public relations contact between the WHOC and communities interested in learning about, promoting, or developing the project.
The Ambassadors announced so far are the first people involved in a new and growing international initiative. Over the coming months, the WHOC will continue to develop this network and evaluate additional people who may contribute to the promotion and growth of the Championship.
The goal is to create an international group of people who genuinely believe in the WHOC project and can help represent its spirit: openness, collaboration, professionalism, respect for dogs and handlers, and the development of Hoopers as an inclusive international sport.
Romy van Beek
WHOC International Ambassador
Romy is a WHOC International Ambassador. As an internationally respected Hoopers professional, she contributes to the promotion and dissemination of the WHOC through seminars, participation, and active support of the project. Her commitment helps connect the Championship with the wider international Hoopers community.
Lisa Nijhof
WHOC International Ambassador
Lisa is a WHOC International Ambassador. Recognised for her international experience and contribution to the development of Hoopers, she supports the promotion of the WHOC through seminars, participation, and professional engagement. Her work helps strengthen the international identity of the Championship and encourages the growth of Hoopers worldwide.
Tiinamari Harjula
WHOC International Ambassador
Tiinamari is a WHOC International Ambassador and an internationally active Hoopers and agility coach. With long-standing experience in agility and a strong focus on connection, confidence, motivation, pressure management, and distance handling, she supports the promotion of the WHOC through seminars, international participation, and professional engagement. Her work helps share the values of the Championship and strengthen the international Hoopers community.