Caribbean Olympic Association meets to discuss strategic plans … Guyana’s potential to host major games on agenda

The Executive Committee of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) is expected to be here in Guyana to discuss its strategic plans for the advancement of sports in the Caribbean.  In a press statement, the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) welcomed the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees members who they said would be arriving in Georgetown for its annual Retreat, scheduled from January 30 to February 2, 2025.

“This significant gathering will chart the future of Caribbean sports, focusing on strategic planning, financial sustainability, and regional collaboration,” the GOA stated. It said that the 2025 Retreat follows a landmark year for CANOC, marked by the successful inaugural CANOC Caribbean Sports Awards in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, which was broadcast on Sportsmax.

Against this backdrop, CANOC’s leadership will convene in Guyana to discuss its first-ever Strategic Plan (2025–2028), a milestone document that will define the organisation’s direction and priorities for the coming years.

The GOA said that the Caribbean body is expected to discuss the Strategic Plan 2025–2028 under the theme “Establishing a comprehensive roadmap for CANOC’s development and impact across the region”. Partnerships & High-Performance Development: Strengthening agreements with the Olympic Committee of Peru and revising CANOC’s Memorandum of Understanding with the University of the West Indies (UWI) to incorporate collaboration with the Government of Grenada on a High-Performance Centre for sports in the OECS and beyond. Advanced Sports Leadership Course: Reviewing progress on this initiative jointly developed by Panam Sports, UWI, and CANOC, and aims to enhance sports administration across the Caribbean.

Guyana’s Role in Caribbean Sports: Exploring Guyana’s potential to host the Caribbean Games and other major regional sporting events, as well as its commitment to developing coaching camps and training opportunities for athletes and officials will also be on the agenda. The discussions will look at CANOC’s Sustainability Action Plan (2025–2030): Leveraging Guyana’s leadership in climate action to advance sustainability efforts in regional sports development and Future Financing & Marketing Strategies: Examining innovative approaches to strengthen CANOC’s financial stability and global presence.

The Caribbean Association team is expected to meet members of the Government of Guyana. G.O.A. President, Mr. Godfrey Munroe expressed enthusiasm about hosting the CANOC Executive Committee. He said that, “Guyana is honoured to facilitate this pivotal retreat, where key decisions will shape the future of Caribbean sports. We are eager to engage with CANOC leadership on strengthening regional collaboration, advancing sustainable sports initiatives, and positioning Guyana as a hub for high-performance training and major sporting events.” He said that the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association looks forward to productive discussions and meaningful outcomes that will benefit the entire Caribbean sporting community.