With the Honourable Rachel Taylor, Turks and Caicos Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services leading from the front, the Turks and Caicos hosted a remarkable week of sport that included the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees(CANOC) 22nd Annual General Assembly. Also, the 11th annual CANOC workshop, and the first ever CANOC Sports Awards.
This week’s Things that Matter will reference the CANOC newsletter to summarise what transpired in Turks and Caicos.
The inaugural CANOC Sports Awards, held at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, faced a significant challenge as Hurricane Oscar approached, prompting a national shutdown. Despite the looming threat of cancellation, the sold-out Black-Tie Gala event pushed forward in true Caribbean spirit, ensuring that the show went on against all odds.
The Turks and Caicos Commonwealth Games Association and Beaches team, faced with the challenge of hosting an event in the midst of a potential natural disaster, displayed extraordinary grace and determination. The decision to move forward reflected the resilience and unity that CANOC celebrates—an unyielding commitment to excellence in Caribbean sports, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Despite the storm’s approach, the night was a testament to the region’s resilience and indomitable spirit.
Keith Joseph, President of CANOC, in his opening remarks, emphasised that sports have the power to unite the region. In a time when cancellation seemed inevitable, the inaugural CANOC Awards embodied: Beyond Possible. It wasn’t just about celebrating sporting excellence—it was about showing the world what the Caribbean is truly made of: resilience, determination, and an unbreakable spirit.
The Dominican Republic Women’s Volleyball Team earned the Caribbean Sports Team of the Year—Female award for their outstanding achievements on the international stage. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic Football Team was named Caribbean Sports Team of the Year—Male in a historic year for Caribbean football.
Anmar Goodridge-Boyce won the Caribbean Sports Media Award, recognising his significant contributions to sports journalism in the region.
Two remarkable athletes, Julien Alfred from St. Lucia, who has risen as a standout in track and field with performances that have placed her among the brightest young stars in athletics, and Thea LaFond from Dominica, who has made tremendous strides in the triple jump, earning her place among the Caribbean’s elite athletes.
In the CANOC & IOC Sustainability Awards, the Plant-A-Tree Initiative in Turks and Caicos was recognised for community engagement, while the Barbados Olympic Association received the Environmental Impact Reduction award for minimising their environmental footprint.
The Caribbean Distinguished Service Award was presented posthumously to Judy Simmons of the Bermuda Olympic Committee for her positive impact on sports administration.
The Dominican Republic Olympic Committee was named Caribbean National Olympic Committee of the Year, and Honourable Galmo Williams was recognised as the Caribbean Sponsor of the Year for his exceptional support of sports in Turks and Caicos.
Sports Personality of the Year—Female went to Julien Alfred, adding to her growing accolades in a year filled with breakthrough performances. Cuban wrestling legend Mijaín López Nunez was named Sports Personality of the Year—male; his legacy includes his historic fifth Olympic gold in Paris, marking him as one of the greatest Greco-Roman wrestlers in history.
The Caribbean Lifetime Achievement Quadrennial Award was awarded to Steve Stoute of Barbados for his lifelong dedication to the development of sports in the Caribbean.
Inspirational Turks and Caicos went beyond possible and, in so doing, set a high bar for future celebrations of Caribbean sports, showing that even in the face of adversity, excellence can shine through. An important lesson for those CANOC stakeholders who are always quick to focus on the negatives and on why things can’t be done.