Panam Sports is at a crucial moment before the upcoming elections in October 2024. At this point, candidate Keith Joseph (current president of CANOC, Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees) has presented his manifesto with a clear vision for sports development throughout the Americas. This manifesto is based on four essential pillars: restoration, unity, reform and growth, which together he hopes will form the basis for a new era of success for Panam Sports.
KEITH JOSEPH’S FOUR PILLARS
1. Restoration: transparency and accountability
The first pillar of his proposal is the restoration of trust in Panam Sports. “I firmly believe that transparency in decision-making processes and accountability are essential to building a respected and efficient organization. To achieve this goal, I propose a comprehensive approach in open communication with all member countries. The results of our actions will be shared on a regular basis, allowing all stakeholders to have a clear view of how decisions are made and what impact they have on their respective countries,” states the candidate from Trinidad and Tobago.
Restoring trust involves ensuring that Panam Sports operates with the highest ethical and professional standards and he says his administration will “foster an environment where honesty and integrity are a priority in all activities, from financial management to the organization of sporting events. Only through constant accountability will we be able to ensure the continued support of our members and sponsors.”
2. Unity: improving communication and collaboration
The second pillar of its manifesto focuses on creating a unified front. The diversity of the Americas, with its multiple cultures, languages and economies, represents a great richness, but also poses challenges in terms of cooperation and understanding. “My goal is to improve communication between Panam Sports member countries, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. This involves not only establishing more effective channels of communication, but also encouraging the sharing of experiences and resources between nations, both in sports and in the management of sports programs,” explains Keith Joseph. Cooperation and collaboration will be key to meeting common challenges and moving toward collective success.
3. Reform: modernizing governance practices
The third pillar is the reform of outdated practices. Sports organizations worldwide have evolved significantly in recent decades, and Panam Sports “cannot be left behind. In my term, I am committed to reviewing and modernizing our governance structures to ensure that they conform to contemporary standards. This involves streamlining decision-making processes, making Panam Sports more responsive and adaptable to emerging challenges,” he states in his manifesto.
The reform, he continues, “will encompass greater representation and participation of women in the governance of the sport, promoting gender equity at all levels of the organization. In addition, I will seek to establish mechanisms that strengthen the protection of the rights of athletes and the welfare of participants in all competitions organized by Panam Sports”.
4. Growth: expanding youth participation and development
The fourth pillar is based on growth through innovative programs that encourage greater participation, especially among youth and underrepresented groups. “My vision is to create opportunities for more people in the Americas, regardless of their background, to have access to high-level sport. This growth will not only depend on talent development programs, but also on the creation of sustainable and accessible infrastructures that allow athletes to train and compete in optimal conditions.” In this regard, Panam Sports must work closely with governments and local organizations to ensure that sport reaches every corner of our continent.
SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE ACTION
A key aspect of Keith Joseph’s plan is a dedication to sustainability and climate action. The environmental challenges facing the world demand that all organizations take responsibility, and Panam Sports will commit “to work in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the IOC’s Declaration of Sport for Climate Action, taking action that reduces the environmental impact of our activities.”
Sustainability will not only be a focus in the events they organize, but also in the day-to-day operations of Panam Sports. “This will include adopting policies to minimize waste, improve energy efficiency and promote the use of clean technologies. My vision is for Panam Sports to be a leader in promoting sustainable practices within the sports arena,” the Caribbean leader stresses in this regard.
INCLUSION AND EXPANSION
A central point of Keith Joseph’s candidacy is inclusion. “I believe that Panam Sports must be an organization that is truly representative of the diversity of the Americas. This involves not only ensuring that all member countries have a voice in decision making, but also expanding our membership and including more territories. Expansion will not only strengthen our organization, but also allow more nations and territories to benefit from the opportunities that Panam Sports has to offer.”
Inclusion must also be reflected in access to sport for historically marginalized groups, including those with disabilities. “I am committed to promoting initiatives that break down barriers for these groups and create equitable opportunities for all to participate in sport,” he concludes.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
At the heart of his manifesto is a commitment to good governance. “The articulation of a clear strategic perspective, with well-defined roles and responsibilities, will be critical to the success of Panam Sports. This will ensure that the organization remains a dynamic force within the global Olympic Movement. My governance approach will focus on creating a flexible and transparent organizational structure that allows Panam Sports to adapt quickly to new trends and challenges. In addition, I will work to ensure that all member countries receive tangible benefits from our work, ensuring that every investment made by the organization has a direct impact on the development of sport in their respective territories,” explains Keith Joseph.
Finally, he acknowledges that implementing widespread reform “will be no small challenge, but I am committed to an inclusive approach that brings all stakeholders together. The active participation of all member countries will be essential to ensure that the changes we are proposing are effective and sustainable in the long term”.
