In early October 2024, Panam Sports, the continental Olympic body for the Americas, will hold its Elective General Assembly in Asuncion, Paraguay. This event holds particular significance for the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), as its President Keith Joseph will once again contest the presidency of Panam Sports, formerly known as the Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO).

This isn't the first time CANOC has aimed for the highest office within Panam Sports. In 2017, three representatives from CANOC member National Olympic Committees (NOCs) — Jose Joaquin Puello of the Dominican Republic, Richard Peterkin of St. Lucia, and a candidate from St. Vincent and the Grenadines — were nominated to contest the PASO presidency. In a display of Caribbean unity, the region's representatives rallied behind Dr. Puello as the sole candidate. Despite this unified support, Dr. Puello narrowly lost to Chile’s Neven Ilic by just one vote.

As the 2024 election approaches, CANOC's involvement extends beyond the presidential race. Several of its members are vying for positions on the Panam Sports Executive Board, representing Group 2. Grenada’s Veda Bruno-Victor is the sole candidate for the Vice Presidency of the group. Meanwhile, Erskine Simmons of Barbados, Roberto Rivas of Cuba, Sara Rosario of Puerto Rico, Dennis Knight of St. Kitts and Nevis, and Alfred Emmanuel of St. Lucia are competing for three available positions within the group.

Given the limited number of positions available, CANOC must strategically evaluate its candidates to ensure the region is represented as effectively as possible. This process echoes the spirit of solidarity demonstrated in 2017, with the understanding that supporting the best candidates ultimately advances CANOC’s goals and the broader interests of the Caribbean region.

 Over the years, CANOC has proven that it possesses the quality, competence, and commitment necessary to play a significant role in international sports. The organization has a rich legacy of breaking barriers and embodying the aspirations of Caribbean peoples. This history of success underscores the importance of the upcoming Panam Sports election, particularly in securing leadership positions that will influence the future of sports across the Americas.

 CANOC’s continued growth and impact on global sports are a testament to its belief in the transformative power of sport. As the organization advocates for its nominated members, it does so with the conviction that their success will bring substantial benefits to the Caribbean region through enhanced representation, recognition, and strategic development