First generation of UWI Global Sports Academy graduates marks historic milestone in the Caribbean
SportsIn
November 20, 2024

Last Friday, November 15, 2024, Keith Joseph, President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), delivered the inaugural address to the first graduates of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Sports Academy. This historic ceremony celebrated the beginning of a new era in the relationship between sport and academia in the Caribbean region.

During his speech, Joseph emphasized the importance of this moment: “This is no ordinary graduation ceremony. It is a historic occasion. You are the first graduates of the sports programs of the most prestigious educational institution in our region”.

PIONEERS IN CARIBBEAN SPORTS

The graduates of the class of 2024 were described as Caribbean pioneers who have overcome academic and personal challenges on their way to excellence. Their training at the UWI Global Sports Academy makes them the next generation of sports professionals ready to contribute to regional development.

“You, the class of 2024, are the future of sport in the Caribbean. You are called to take the baton of sport development and carry it forward to new generations,” said Joseph, reflecting CANOC’s pride in this new crop of talent.

A VISION OF INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Joseph also underscored the impact of recent achievements by Caribbean athletes, such as the first Olympic gold medals for St. Lucia, Dominica and Jamaica at Paris 2024. These successes, he noted, should serve as inspiration for graduates in their future careers.

The CANOC president highlighted the collaboration with UWI, formalized in 2023, as a pillar for sports development. Projects such as the Hope Estate in Grenada, a multi-sport high performance center, seek to close historical gaps and provide opportunities for sports professionals in the region.

A SUSTAINABLE STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE

Among CANOC’s strategic plans is the implementation of its Sustainability Action Plan 2025-2030, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives include sports policy surveys, capacity building workshops and opportunities for graduates to participate in regional projects.

Joseph emphasized that these efforts seek to establish an inclusive and sustainable Caribbean sports culture, allowing the region to compete on a level playing field with its international peers.

A THANK YOU TO UWI AND THE GRADUATES

Addressing the leaders of the UWI Global Sports Academy, Joseph expressed his gratitude, “I appreciate your continued efforts to reimagine the role of sport in our lives and in regional development.”

Finally, Joseph congratulated the graduates for their courage in choosing a career in sport and expressed optimism about the impact they will have on the Caribbean sporting culture. “You are the foundation of change that will allow the Caribbean to stand out on the global sporting landscape,” he concluded.

The ceremony was a celebration of individual achievement and a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to Caribbean sports development, marking a new chapter in the region’s history.

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