PRESIDENT’S DESK
The Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) extends our congratulations to the President of Centro Caribe Sport (CCS), formerly the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO), Luis Mejias Oviedo, the Executive and membership on celebration of the XXIV Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in San Salvador, El Salvador. The Games will begin with a gala Opening Ceremony showcasing the varied, dynamic and excitingly colourful culture of the Central American nation, on the evening of Friday 23 June 2023.
In 2021, the leadership of CCS was particularly supportive of our own efforts at hosting the Inaugural Caribbean Games in Guadeloupe, what we labelled, ‘against all odds’. This time, it is CANOC’s turn to reciprocate, lending our full support to CCS, which is hosting its event in El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, in extremely challenging conditions. The Games were originally awarded to Panama City but the latter withdrew, leaving the CCS to find a host in relatively short time. El Salvador came forward and the Dominican Republic agreed to host those events which the former country could not have done in the available time. The CCS also had to contend with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economies of the main host and the general membership of the organisation.
We are all well aware of the rising costs related to the hosting of major sporting events and must therefore understand and appreciate those who, despite this and other challenges, are prepared to raise their hands to serve as hosts, affording young people the opportunity to participate in sport at the highest level.
Friday 23 June is also International Olympic Day. It is the day on which the international Olympic Committee (IOC) was officially founded, at a meeting at the Sorbonne, Paris, France. For us in the global sport movement, it is also a day of optimism and hope, filled with opportunity to use sport to transform the world in which we live and which are never without numerous challenges competing for our attention.
The CAC Games are the oldest multi-sport Games after the Olympic Games, having been established in 1926, in Mexico City. It has had to confront a variety of issues during its existence but has managed to sustain itself with the support of its membership whose solidarity is a constant reminder of the remarkable courage and resilience of humanity.
CANOC therefore extends a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to El Salvador and the Dominican Republic for being gracious hosts of the XXIV CAC Games this year. CANOC also extends best wishes and commendations to all of our members and those of the broader CCS family, on the celebration of International Olympic Day 2023.
May we all continue to be at the service of humanity through all of our endeavours in sport, ever mindful that sport is a fundamental human right.
Blessings to all!
