WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao--Strengthening cooperation among Caribbean sporting organizations, expanding international partnerships and securing greater government support for athlete development were among the major messages delivered during the 24th General Assembly of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), held in Curaçao on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
The assembly brought together regional and international Olympic leaders, including President of Centro Caribe Sports and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Luis Mejía Oviedo, and Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Qatar Olympic Committee.
The gathering formed part of CANOC's activities held from October 15 to 19, bringing representatives of national Olympic committees and international sporting organizations together to discuss the continued development of sport throughout the Caribbean.
St. Maarten and Saint Martin is in attendance jointly. The St. Maarten Sports Federation (SMSF) and Comité Territorial Olympique de Saint-Barthélemy et Saint-Martin (CTOS SBSM) proudly marked a historic milestone as representatives from both the Dutch and French sides of the island participate together for the first time in CANOC. The delegation consists of SMSF President Naomi Korstanje and Executive Board Member and Assistant Secretary Kimberly Reyes-Puello, alongside Virginie Carien, President of the Comité Territorial Olympique de Saint-Barthélemy et Saint-Martin (CTOS SBSM), and Peggy Oulerich, Sports Director of CTOS SBSM.
Addressing the assembly, Mejía Oviedo emphasized that the future of Caribbean sport depended on stronger institutional relationships, greater collaboration among sporting bodies and a common vision for developing athletes across the region.
He praised CANOC's growth under the leadership of President Keith Joseph, describing the organization as increasingly influential within the international sporting community. He also welcomed the participation of sporting representatives from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, viewing their presence as an indication of CANOC's expanding international relationships.
Mejía Oviedo highlighted the close institutional relationship between CANOC and Centro Caribe Sports, noting that all CANOC members were also part of the regional sporting organization he leads.
"Nothing is handed to us. We must forge our own path," he told delegates, encouraging member organizations to strengthen their initiatives and actively pursue opportunities for international cooperation.
A significant part of his message focused on the responsibility of governments to support the development of sports. He emphasized that investment in national sporting organizations produced benefits beyond competitive results, contributing to the development of young people and creating opportunities for future generations.
He urged governments throughout the Caribbean and Central America to provide greater institutional and financial support to national Olympic committees and sporting organizations, recognizing their importance in developing athletes and strengthening the region's sporting future.
The presence of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani added an international dimension to the discussions, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand cooperation between Caribbean and Asian Olympic organizations.
His participation followed a cooperation agreement signed between the Olympic Council of Asia and CANOC in Barcelona, Spain, on August 7, 2026. The agreement, signed by Sheikh Joaan and CANOC President Keith Joseph, established a six-year framework for cooperation between the organizations, extending from 2026 to 2032.
The agreement provides for information sharing, knowledge exchange and cooperation in sports development, creating opportunities for the two regions to benefit from their respective experiences and sporting expertise.
The Olympic Council of Asia represents 45 national Olympic committees, while CANOC represents 32 member countries and territories across the Caribbean. Their strengthened relationship offers a wider platform for collaboration between sporting organizations representing two geographically separate regions.
Sheikh Joaan's participation in the Curaçao assembly reinforced the commitment of both organizations to developing these relationships and promoting greater solidarity among national Olympic committees.
For Caribbean sporting organizations, particularly those operating in smaller island territories, the emphasis on stronger international partnerships and institutional support highlighted the importance of accessing expertise, development opportunities and resources beyond their individual jurisdictions.
The discussions also placed renewed attention on the importance of governments recognizing sport as an investment in national development rather than solely as a vehicle for competitive achievement.
Mejía Oviedo additionally recognized Curaçao's potential to host international sporting competitions, pointing to the island's development and the opportunities available for Caribbean destinations to take on a greater role in organizing regional and international multisport events.
The CANOC General Assembly ultimately reinforced the message that the continued growth of Caribbean sport would require coordinated efforts among national Olympic committees, regional sporting organizations, governments and international partners, with athlete development and opportunities for young people remaining central to those efforts.
