An election was required for Group One of the organisation, which largely consists of members from North and Central America.

This was due to former United States Olympic Committee (USOC) chairman Larry Probst departing his position on the Executive Committee.

Probst was only elected to the post at last year’s General Assembly, before announcing five days later that he would step down as USOC chairman.

He had initially replaced his compatriot and former USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun.

Smith’s election was confirmed by Panam Sports President Neven Ilic at the start of the General Assembly here today.

The President of the Canadian Olympic Committee and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member joins Haiti’s Alain Jean-Pierre and Costa Rica’s Silvia Gonzalez as group one representatives on the Executive Board.

Smith also serves as one of Panam Sports' members on the Association of National Olympic Committees Executive Council, having been elected at last year’s General Assembly.

Panam Sports awards were presented to Venezuela’s Élida Párraga de Álvarez and Mexico’s Jimena Saldaña during the General Assembly.

IOC President Thomas Bach handed the awards to both recipients, with the two women then hailed by Ilic for their roles in developing sport within their respective nations.

Saldaña is the first vice-president of the Mexican Olympic Committee and formerly served as Panam Sports secretary general.

She is also a member of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games follow up committee and has been credited with helping to evolve sport in her country.

"These are my ninth games and I know that we have had difficult times but mostly fun times that I will always keep in my heart," Saldaña said.

"Seeing this dynamism in Panam Sports, an institution that is so full of life, is very rewarding. 

"It is a privilege to be part of this family. 

"This continent has much to offer and we set a great example since everything we do, we do with our hearts."

Élida Párraga was recognised for her 40 years of service to sport.

She holds the position of secretary general at the Venezuela Olympic Committee.

Élida Párraga was previously President of the Venezuelan Federation of Water Sports and has worked to encourage active lifestyles for everyone in her country. 

She is also currently a member of the Panam Sports' Women in Sports Commission.

“I am very happy and overwhelmed, this is the most beautiful day I have lived in all this time I’ve worked in sport, which is more than forty years in the Olympic Movement," Párraga said.

"I want to thank President Neven Ilic who has definitely transformed sport in our continent. 

"His organisation has taken an incredible turn and he has provided gran gestures which is demonstrated today with this recognition."