In a few days the Panam Sports Elective General Assembly will take place in Asunción, Paraguay. For everyone at CANOC, this is a momentous event, as for the first time in history, the incumbent president of CANOC will be vying for the presidency of Panam Sports, Keith Joseph.

“I have made clear my intention to serve only one term, should I be elected president of Panam Sports, committing myself to an ambitious goal: to facilitate the transformation of the organisation at a time when the world of sport is undergoing significant change and facing considerable challenges. I firmly believe that the four pillars I detail in my manifesto – Restoration, Unity, Reform and Growth – provide a roadmap for adopting and executing appropriate strategies and programmes. Together, as a collective, we can position ourselves at the forefront of the International Olympic Movement, just as our athletes do in Olympic Games competitions,” explains Keith Joseph shortly before the elections take place.

Although CANOC is still a relatively young organisation, continues Keith Joseph, “we have shown that we have attracted outstanding individuals capable of leading on the global sporting stage. Just as our academics have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and others have achieved leadership positions in major international organisations in a variety of fields, we also possess the talent necessary for global leadership in sport. This has been possible because, as a people, we have never allowed the size of our nations to limit our immense ambitions to surpass our historical experiences and forge successive generations of decisive, visionary and inclusive leaders”.

The future of Panam Sports demands a renewed commitment to the aspirations of all athletes in the Americas, on whose shoulders this organisation has been built, nurtured and sustained. “We have maintained an innovative mindset and are always keen to make innovation the key principle of everything we do. This is our moment to make the most important change we can bring to Panam Sports and its unwavering commitment to Olympic ideals. Let’s vote for the leadership that is best suited to building the future that the Americas, and the world of sport, needs,” concludes the Panam Sports presidential candidate.