With so much happening that can be seen as negative, even in saying that these aren’t easy times and it’s an extremely challenging period, I remain unwavering in my belief that “this too shall pass”.
However, it is important that “eternal vigilance” be maintained. There are good things happening that should give hope and optimism. No matter how dark it gets, morning will come, the sun will rise.
What does the preceding have to do with sport? Everything and nothing. Never underestimate the intersection of money, politics, power and control. The Americas are laden with that intersection and the impact within the Pan American Olympic movement is ever-present. The Pan American Sports Organisation (Panam Sports) is the leader of sport and the Olympic Movement in the Americas.
Panam Sports works closely with National Olympic Committees (NOCs), Organising Committees of all regional games, Pan American Sport Confederations, International Federations (IF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
On the surface, the smiles and atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie mask the treacherous dance that isn’t always to the benefit of the Caribbean. However, let the illusion continue. In the absence of one country, one vote, and the ongoing resistance to the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees’ (CANOC) push for associate member status for Anguilla, Turks & Caicos, Curacao, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, St Maarten, and Montserrat. Where is the justice and equity? There are those who believe it’s a necessary charade. But let’s not forget the Junior Pan Am Games thrives while the CANOC Caribbean Games suffocate due to a lack of genuine commitment from those who speak of Caribbean unity and integration. The charade continues.
Knowledge without action is complicity. Those who know, know must choose to remain a catalyst for change and justice and be a driving force advocating strongly for justice, equity and values. Innovation happens at the intersection of different perspectives.
While it is important to remember that money either changes people or reveals who they truly are, fear wears the face of anger.
Nonetheless, there are good things taking place. The recent Junior Pan Am Games held in Asuncion, Paraguay, provided many feel-good moments. Yes! The undercurrents of superficiality don’t hide the harsh reality. However, the young sportsmen and women who gave their all in Asuncion shouldn’t be held prisoner to the shortcomings of adults.
Paraguay staked a determined case for a successful 2031 Pan Am Games bid. Imperfections and all. They have earned the right to be given serious consideration. The improvement opportunity is significant. Notwithstanding critics and naysayers, President of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, Camilo López Moreira’s vision, determination, dedication and resilience provide the driving force for Paraguay’s ambitions.
For information perspective: The 2027 Pan American Games (Spanish: Juegos Panamericanos de 2027), officially the XX Pan American Games (Spanish: XX Juegos Panamericanos) known as Lima 2027, is scheduled for July to August 2027. It will be the second time in Peru’s capital, Lima, eight years after hosting the 2019 Pan American Games. Barranquilla, Colombia, was initially announced as the host in August 2021. However, the city was stripped of its hosting rights in January 2024 after the country’s Ministry of Sports failed to meet contractual obligations, as well as financial reasons. Depending on whose side of the story you listen to, the stripping of Barranquilla is a sordid case of politics trumping sport. More likely, the true story will never be known.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of any organisation the writer may be associated with.
