Island athlete Kian Trejo and cyclist Alicia Thompson represented Belize at the third Panam Sports Continental Athletes Forum, held from November 21-23 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The event brought together 130 participants from 41 member countries to discuss various sports-related topics through conference sessions.
Trejo attended the forum as the president of the Belize Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission (BOCAC), while Thompson participated in her role as a commissioner of BOCAC. The Belizean athletes engaged with new ideas and experiences shared during the forum to support the development of athlete commissions across the continent. The gathering also featured over 90 athletes, sports authorities, and experts from various professional fields.
Trejo highlighted several topics of interest, including new approaches to life after sports, personal branding, anti-doping measures, and sports safeguarding. He shared his experiences from the first day of the event, where he facilitated valuable connections with athletes from various countries. The discussions focused on advocating for sports across all Pan-American nations. “This is crucial for fostering unity and development in sports,” Trejo said.
On the event’s second day, discussions took place on various sports, including shooting, volleyball, bowling, and track and field. The Belizean athletes said they gained valuable insights and made connections that could enhance their athletic careers. Trejo emphasized the importance of parental and community support in nurturing young athletes. Key points discussed included empowerment through encouragement, education and awareness, financial and logistical support, creating opportunities, and celebrating achievements.
As the event concluded, additional important topics were covered, such as sustainability, mental health, marketing and communications, personal branding, and the significance of safe sports. BOCAC stated that the forum was both inspiring and productive. They expressed their happiness for Trejo and Thompson regarding the networking opportunities they encountered and the knowledge they gained. The organization believes that these forums and the information shared are essential for the growth and development of athletes.
With the conclusion of the third Panam Sports Continental Athletes Forum, a roadmap has been established for stronger and more active athletes’ commissions. Furthermore, it paves the way for a brighter future for sport in the region.
