11 November 2026 | Suva, Fiji | The Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) Equity Commission (ECO) has opened nominations for the 2027 Active Champion of Equity (ACE) Award.

The award recognises an individual who has shown outstanding commitment, and is actively making a significant contribution, to the promotion of women through sport in the Oceania region.

Nominations close on Friday 26 February 2027.

About the award

Only one award is given each year, and the recipient will be announced at the ONOC General Assembly. If the award cannot be presented at the General Assembly, it will be presented at another major Oceania event.

Certificates of Recognition will be awarded to a selected number of finalists each year.

The Oceania Impact Network (OIN) is the award’s founding partner.

Selection criteria

Nominees, male or female, will generally be drawn from sports administration, coaching or technical officiating. Nominations based solely on athletic performance will not be considered.

Nominees must have made a significant contribution at the continental (Oceania) or national sport level to advancing women and gender equality in and through sport, in one or more of the following ways:

• exemplary leadership and mentoring
• innovative project(s)
• development of a particular sport or event that highlights the involvement of women.

Long-term service or involvement in promoting women through sport is not sufficient justification for selection on its own.

How to nominate

Nominations are called from the National Olympic Committees of Oceania and member sports of the Organisation of Sports Federations of Oceania (OSFO). Only these organisations may submit nominations.

Nominations must be submitted on the ECO ACE Award Nomination Form, either as the PDF or through an online application from the ONOC ECO Secretariat. Each nomination should set out the nominee’s full credentials, relating specifically to their commitment and contribution to promoting women through sport in Oceania, against the selection criteria.

Supporting documents may be submitted with the nomination and should include high-resolution photos of the nominee. The Award Selection Panel may request additional information if needed.

Finalists from the previous year’s nominees will be reconsidered this year.

Selection

The Award Selection Panel, made up of three ECO Executive Members, will decide the recipient. The panel’s decision is final.

Nomination documents and contact

The 2027 nomination flyer and nomination form are available on the ONOC Equity Commission page.

Completed nominations and enquiries should be sent to Ala-Cassandra Singh, Coordinator, Oceania Impact Network, ONOC Equity Commission Secretariat, at equitycommission@oceanianoc.org.