7 November 2026 | Dakar, Senegal | Fiji Olympian, Chair of the FASANOC Athletes Commission and Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) Secretariat staff member Matelita Buadromo is proudly representing Fiji and Oceania at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games as one of six International Olympic Committee (IOC) Believe in Sport Ambassadors.

As the only Ambassador representing Oceania, Matelita brings a unique combination of Olympic experience, athlete leadership and professional involvement in the Olympic Movement to this important global initiative.

Her selection is a proud moment for Fiji and ONOC, recognising her continued commitment to championing athletes, promoting integrity in sport and empowering the next generation of Olympians.

The IOC’s Believe in Sport campaign aims to protect the integrity of sport by raising awareness about competition manipulation and empowering athletes to recognise potential risks, make informed decisions and speak up when something does not feel right.

Through interactive activities at the Athlete365 space in Dakar, Matelita is engaging with young athletes from around the world, helping them understand their responsibility in protecting fair competition.

“Athletes are often the first line of defence when it comes to competition manipulation, so it’s important that they know how to recognise situations that don’t feel right and feel confident speaking up,” Matelita explained.

“Through Believe in Sport, we’re helping athletes understand that their voice matters. Awareness is the beginning of prevention, and by speaking up, athletes can help tip the balance away from corruption.”

A Full-Circle Olympic journey

For Matelita, Dakar 2026 carries special personal significance.

Twelve years ago, she attended the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games as a Team Fiji Young Ambassador. Today, she returns to the Youth Olympic Games environment in a new capacity, helping guide and inspire young athletes as they begin their own Olympic journeys.

“This experience feels a bit like a full-circle moment for me. I attended the Youth Olympic Games myself as a Team Fiji Young Ambassador in Nanjing in 2014, and now I’m here as a Believe in Sport Ambassador helping to support the next generation,” she said.

“What I love about the Youth Olympic Games is that they are about so much more than competition. Young athletes have the chance to learn lessons and gain experiences that will help shape them throughout their sporting careers and beyond.”

Her journey reflects the lasting value of the Youth Olympic Games, not only as a platform for sporting excellence but also as an opportunity to develop young leaders who continue contributing to the Olympic Movement beyond their competitive careers.

Empowering young athletes to protect Sport

Since arriving in Dakar, Matelita has been actively engaging with young athletes from across the world, encouraging conversations about integrity, responsibility and the importance of speaking up.

She described the response from athletes as enthusiastic and encouraging, particularly as many are encountering the subject of competition manipulation for the first time.

“The athletes have been incredibly curious and engaged. Many of them are learning about topics like competition manipulation for the first time, which makes the conversations meaningful,” she said.

“What stands out most is how eager they are to learn. It’s been great to see them asking questions, taking part in activities, and wanting to learn more about how they can protect themselves, support their teammates and contribute to fair sport.”

As Chair of the FASANOC Athletes Commission, Matelita understands the importance of ensuring that athletes are informed, empowered and confident to speak up on matters affecting their sporting careers.

Her involvement in the Believe in Sport campaign extends this advocacy to a global platform, reinforcing the vital role athletes themselves play in protecting the integrity of sport.

For Matelita, the message is simple but powerful: every athlete has a responsibility and a voice in protecting fair competition.

“Even a single voice can stop manipulation before it spreads. When one athlete speaks up, we all get stronger.”

A proud moment for ONOC and Oceania

As both an Olympian and a member of the ONOC Secretariat, Matelita’s selection as the only Oceania representative among the six IOC Believe in Sport Ambassadors is a significant recognition of the contribution Pacific athletes and sports professionals continue to make to the global Olympic Movement.

Her involvement reflects ONOC’s commitment to championing athletes, strengthening athlete leadership and promoting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect throughout the region.

It also demonstrates how the experience and expertise of Olympians can continue to benefit the Olympic Movement through leadership, advocacy and professional roles beyond competition.

Matelita’s participation is particularly meaningful as Dakar 2026 marks the first Olympic event to be hosted on the African continent.

Reflecting on her first visit to Africa, she shared her appreciation for the experience.

“The first few days have been full on, but a lot of fun. It’s also my first time on the African continent, so I’ve really enjoyed experiencing the culture, hospitality and warmth of the people here. Being part of the first Olympic event held in Africa makes the experience even more memorable.”

Above all, Matelita hopes that her engagement with young athletes will leave a lasting impression beyond the Games.

“I know how much the Youth Olympic Games can shape a young athlete. If even one athlete leaves Dakar with the confidence to speak up, and make the right decision, then we’ve made a real impact.”

“I’m proud to represent Fiji and Oceania, and to play a small part in helping these young athletes start their journeys with the right values, knowledge, and support.”

As the Youth Olympic Games continue in Dakar, Matelita’s contribution serves as a reminder that the Olympic spirit extends far beyond sporting performance. It is also about empowering the next generation to become responsible athletes, leaders and advocates for clean and fair sport.