After three days of engaging presentations and discussions, the III Panam Sports Athletes Forum concluded Saturday, leaving a lasting impact on over 90 athletes from across the Americas. Held in Punta Cana, the forum featured more than 18 hours of presentations, 25 exhibitors, and 130 attendees, offering invaluable insights into post-career opportunities, personal branding, anti-doping, and safe sport, among other topics.

The forum brought together representatives from 38 of the 41 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) with active Athletes’ Commissions, while the remaining NOCs are in the process of establishing their commissions. This momentum underscores the importance of athlete representation in shaping the future of sport in the Americas.

Panam Sports President Neven Ilic hailed the forum as a success, emphasizing its role in fostering the growth of Athletes' Commissions across the continent.

“The balance is extremely positive. We are very happy for everything that was experienced during these three days, and we hope that all the athletes will transmit everything they have learned in their respective countries. Sport of the Americas is growing, and the work of the Athletes' Commissions is becoming fundamental for this development,” Ilic said.

Ilic encouraged athletes to continue advocating for their representation within their NOCs.

“As Panam Sports, we know how important it is that all the Olympic Committees of the Americas have an active Athletes' Commission that contributes to the decisions of the sports leaders. My message to all athletes is that they continue working and that their voice continues to be heard loudly throughout the continent,” he added.

The forum also received praise from Isabel Swan, President of the Panam Sports Athletes’ Commission and Olympic medalist, who highlighted the forum’s success in advancing the mission of Athletes’ Commissions.

“The athletes of the Americas are growing in terms of their Commissions. We had very beneficial days, each one of the presentations impacted our athletes, and I know that they take with them a great experience to share in their countries. I am very happy as President, we are on the right track, and I know that soon we will have all the Panam Sports National Olympic Committees with active Athletes' Commissions in our continent,” said Swan.

One of the standout moments of the forum was a powerful presentation by Mariana Pajón, Colombia’s double Olympic gold medalist in BMX, titled “The Road to Gold has 3 Steps: Dream-Work-Enjoy.” Her heartfelt story resonated deeply with attendees.

“I am surprised. I never thought my presentation would thrill so many athletes. I always present it to big businessmen in Colombia, and this was the first time I addressed my peers, the athletes of the continent. I am very grateful for the opportunity that Panam Sports gave me to share my life experience in this Forum,” said Pajón.

Topics covered during the forum included sustainability, mental health, marketing and communications, personal branding, and the importance of safe sport. The discussions aimed to equip athletes with tools to enhance their careers and post-sport lives while fostering a culture of growth and representation across the Americas.

The III Continental Athletes’ Forum was broadcast live via the Panam Sports Channel, and its sessions will soon be available as video-on-demand for those who missed the event. With its conclusion, the forum leaves behind a roadmap for stronger, more active Athletes' Commissions and a brighter future for sport in the region.