The Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) today welcomed 16 National Olympic committees from the region at the inaugural Oceania Long Term Athlete Development symposium.The symposium is currently underway for the next two days September 14 and 15.ONOC Executive Director, Dennis Miller, stated that to date, Oceania has medalled in 3 sports in the Olympics; Rugby 7s, Boxing and Weightlifting."The workshop is ONOC’s effort to collectively agree and find a contextual overarching model – the Oceania Model," he said."It can potentially help to address health and education issues as well as develop a strong nation.”

Powered by sport, as part of USP and ONOC’s commitment and demonstrated partnership to sports development, Professor Chandra and Mr Dennis Miller, Executive Director of ONOC announced the joint Pacific Regional Sports Research Scholarships at USP.“The new postgraduate master’s scholarships are designed to strengthen the evidence base on the contribution of sport to sustainable development, and inform policy development and regional investments in and through sports in Pacific Island Countries and Territories,” Professor Chandra said.