The Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) has announced a significant step forward in athlete advocacy with the establishment of a dedicated CANOC Athletes’ Commission. Leading this initiative are three distinguished former athletes: Guyana’s Aliann Pompey, Dominica’s Brendan Williams, and Grenada’s Hazel-Ann Regis. The trio, each an accomplished advocate and leader in their own right, will spearhead the commission’s development, as announced by CANOC President Keith Joseph.

 This announcement follows a busy period for CANOC, including the successful XIII Annual CANOC Workshop, XXII Annual General Assembly, and the inaugural CANOC Caribbean Awards Gala. Recognizing the critical role of athletes in the Caribbean’s sporting achievements, Joseph emphasized the importance of creating a platform for athletes to actively contribute to regional sports development.

 “We consistently claim that we are about our athletes,” Joseph said. “Our Caribbean athletes have been delivering outstanding performances on our region’s behalf at all Games, contributing significantly to the enhancement of our status among nations involved in the global Olympic Movement.”

 The CANOC Athletes’ Commission aims to serve as a forum where athletes can openly discuss their unique challenges and aspirations, making meaningful contributions to the region’s sporting growth. The commission also seeks to empower athletes with a voice at the administrative level of CANOC, ensuring they play a vital role in shaping the future of Caribbean sport.

 The leadership team is well-equipped for the task. Aliann Pompey, a former 400m specialist and four-time Olympian, previously served as President of the Panam Sports Athletes’ Commission, bringing years of experience in athlete representation. Brendan Williams, a former Commonwealth Games high jumper from Dominica, currently chairs the Commonwealth Games Association Athletes’ Commission. Hazel-Ann Regis, Grenada’s former 400m Olympian, leads Grenada’s Athletes’ Commission, adding further expertise to the initiative.

 “The mandate for the first phase of the establishment of the CANOC Athletes’ Commission has been confidently placed in their hands,” Joseph said. “They are all eminently qualified and experienced advocates for the cause of athletes.”

 The move aligns with CANOC’s vision to strengthen its role as the Caribbean’s premier sporting organization. With the advent of the Caribbean Games and ongoing stellar performances by the region’s athletes, the commission is expected to enhance the region’s influence within the global Olympic Movement.

 CANOC also urged its affiliates that have not yet established their own Athletes’ Commissions to do so, offering support to help them take the necessary steps.

 The CANOC Athletes’ Commission promises to be a pivotal addition to the organization, ensuring athletes have a seat at the decision-making table and a platform to drive progress in Caribbean sport.