GUAM - The award was presented during the ONOC President’s Dinner at the Tasi Ballroom, Hotel Nikko Guam, following the conclusion of the 45th ONOC Annual General Assembly.

Delivering the official citation, ONOC Secretary General Mr Ricardo Blas paid tribute to Dr Mitchell’s unique journey and enduring legacy:

“Dr Robin Mitchell has served the Olympic Movement with distinction—as an athlete, a coach, a medical professional, and a sports administrator. His lifelong commitment has shaped not only the trajectory of sport in Fiji but has fundamentally strengthened the fabric of the Olympic Movement across our region.”

Dr Mitchell’s career in sport began on the field, representing Fiji in athletics and hockey before transitioning to coaching and later to leadership. He served as Secretary General and then President of FASANOC, chaired the Organising Committee for the 2003 South Pacific Games in Suva, and held key executive roles within ONOC, including Vice President, Secretary General, and ultimately President—the first Pacific Islander to hold this position.

“Robin’s visionary leadership as President of ONOC since 2009, and his long-standing service on the International Olympic Committee since 1994, have had a profound impact,” said Mr Blas. “He has championed the development of athletes, advocated for gender equality, and worked tirelessly to ensure that the Pacific voice is heard in global Olympic affairs.”

Dr Mitchell also currently serves as Chair of the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity Commission and was elected President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) in 2022, further cementing his global influence.

“His legacy is defined not only by titles and tenures,” Mr Blas continued, “but by his unwavering belief in the power of sport to uplift, unite, and transform lives across Oceania.”

The ONOC Legacy Recognition Award is a fitting tribute to Dr Mitchell’s lifelong pursuit of excellence, inclusion, and service. Through this award, ONOC celebrates a leader whose dedication has left an indelible mark on generations of athletes, officials, and sports communities.