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• Pan Am 2024 Athletes’ Forum kicks off in Dominican Republic

  The third edition of the Panam Sports Athletes’ Forum begins today, November 21, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, bringing together representatives from 41 member countries of the Pan American Sports Organization. The event, which runs through November 23, will feature discussions on key topics affecting athletes across the Americas.

  The Forum will address issues such as mental health, post-career opportunities, personal branding, artificial intelligence, safe sport, and many other pressing topics. This year’s gathering boasts a lineup of over 20 distinguished speakers, including some of the continent’s most celebrated athletes.

  Among the notable participants are Félix Sánchez, a two-time Olympic champion from the Dominican Republic; Mariana Pajón, a three-time Olympic medalist from Colombia; and Alejandra Orozco, one of Mexico’s top diving champions. Additionally, sports and government authorities from the Dominican Republic and the full Executive Board of Panam Sports will also be in attendance.

  “We are very happy and eager to open this III Panam Sports Athletes' Forum. A paradisiacal place, great speakers, and a spectacular response from all the Athletes' Commissions of the Olympic Committees that are members of our organization give us reasons to dream that this event will be a great success. We want the ‘Voice of the Athletes’ to continue to be heard loudly in the continent and around the world,” said Panam Sports President Neven Ilic, who is already in Punta Cana.

  This year’s event marks the third time the Forum has been held, following successful editions in Miami and Cancun. The Panam Sports Athletes’ Forum is supported by Solidaridad Olímpica, emphasizing its commitment to advancing athlete welfare and development.

  In addition to the star-studded lineup of speakers, the forum will focus on themes such as sustainability, financing and support for athletes’ commissions, anti-doping, and athletes’ career transitions, providing athletes with valuable tools and insights to navigate their careers and post-sporting lives effectively.

  For those unable to attend, the entire Continental Athletes’ Forum will be broadcast live from Punta Cana via the Panam Sports Channel, ensuring that the discussions and insights reach a global audience.

  As the Dominican Republic hosts this renowned gathering, it reinforces the importance of athlete representation, welfare, and empowerment, further cementing the legacy of the Panam Sports Athletes’ Forum as a critical platform for the voices of athletes to be heard.

   

   

   

• Samuda and Munn-Barrow triumph at AMG Buccaneer Memorial Golf Tournament

  Owen Samuda and Jodi Munn-Barrow emerged as champions of the AMG Buccaneer Memorial Golf Tournament, held at the Caymanas Golf Club in St. Catherine over the weekend. The annual event, one of Jamaica’s most prestigious golf tournaments, saw over 80 golfers competing despite challenges posed by recent weather conditions.

  Samuda, who has been enjoying a stellar run of form, dominated the male category with back-to-back rounds of one-under-par 71, finishing with an impressive two-under-par 142. He won by a commanding 13-stroke margin, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s top golfers.

  Reflecting on his victory, Samuda shared, “After the disappointment in the Jamaica Open last week, I realized that you can’t drive a car while looking behind you. I came into this tournament with a lot of confidence and positive thoughts. I played really well yesterday, and even better today, so I feel great about the win.”

  Samuda’s performance marked the only under-par scores across the tournament. Former national champion Oshae Haye finished second with an 11-over-par 155, while Zandre Roye and Sean Morris tied for third at 14-over-par 158.

  In the female category, Jamaica Golf Association President Jodi Munn-Barrow delivered her trademark consistency to claim the Ladies 0-6 title. Munn-Barrow posted scores of 75 on both days, totaling six-over-par 150 to secure her win by a comfortable 21 strokes over Michele McCreath, who finished at 171.

  “It was a little more difficult this time,” Munn-Barrow admitted. “I haven’t been playing much because of my involvement with the Jamaica Open, so my game this weekend was scrappy. But I managed to get the ball around, and I’m happy with how I performed despite not being at my best.”

  The tournament also featured numerous category winners, including Quentin Hugh-Sam and Philip Gooden, who scored 168 to win the Men & Men Senior 7-12 section. Other winners included Gifford Wilmott (Men & Men Senior 13-24) with a score of 157, and Diane Hudson, who topped the Ladies 13 and over category with a score of 184.

  The event, held for the 29th year, is a tribute to seven of Jamaica’s past national golf representatives: Milton "Buddy" Josephs, Izette Rhone, Lenan "Lennie" Chin, John Fulford, Al Chong, Claude Stewart, and Mark Chin. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Lawes Street Trade Training Centre, with the goal of raising JMD$1 million annually.

  Peter Chin, president of the Buccaneers Golf Club, praised the event’s resilience despite weather challenges. “This tournament has been running since the 1990s and is the oldest golf tournament outside of the Jamaica Open on the JGA calendar. The course was in great condition considering the rain over the past few weeks,” Chin said.

  The AMG Buccaneer Memorial Golf Tournament was sponsored by AMG Packaging, with Scientific & Medical Supplies as an associate sponsor.

   

   

   

   

   

   

• McIlroy honoured to be 'mentioned in same breath' as Ballesteros after matching Race to Dubai tally

  Rory McIlroy says he is honoured to be "mentioned in the same breath" as Seve Ballesteros, after matching the Spaniard's haul of six Race to Dubai titles.

  McIlroy secured the title for the third year running following his victory at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on Sunday.

  The four-time major winner finished two shots clear of Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard to seal his third triumph in the event.

  "Everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and Ryder Cup players," an emotional McIlroy told Sky Sports.

  "The European Ryder Cup locker room, all we have are quotes from Seve. We had a changing room with Seve's shirt from [1995], the last Ryder Cup he played.

  "He means so much to European golf and for me to be mentioned in the same breath, I'm very proud."

  "I've been through a lot this year, professionally, personally, and it feels like the fitting end to 2024," added McIlroy, who narrowly lost out on the US Open title to Bryson DeChambeau.

  "I've persevered this year a lot, had close calls, wasn't able to get it done. I'm really pleased with the way I finished and, thankfully, I hung on after a tough day and got the job done."