Auckland, New Zealand — 22 May 2026 · ONOC Media

The Forum was opened by Sarah Walker, a New Zealand Olympian and former NZOC Athletes Commission member, who set the tone for the days ahead. Walker reminded the room that what they had experienced at the General Assembly was rare and significant, and that the Forum itself was designed to build on that foundation — giving athletes the space, knowledge, and confidence to lead within their own national Olympic committees.

Kenny Wallace, Chair of the ONOC Athletes Commission and an Olympic gold and bronze medallist in sprint canoe and kayak across three Games for Australia, formally opened proceedings alongside Deputy Chair Matelita Buadromo. Wallace drew the room's attention to the model underpinning the Athletes Commission itself, describing it not as a hierarchy but as a round table where every voice carries equal weight.

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“Our goal is to make sure that the athletes are genuinely, sustainably part of the conversation, not just when it's convenient, and not just to tick your governance box, but because you all bring the lived experience that people cannot replicate.” — Kenny Wallace, Chair, ONOC Athletes Commission

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Buadromo, a Fijian Olympian who represented Fiji at the 2012 London Olympics in swimming, reflected on the depth of representation in the room and acknowledged the relationships central to Oceania's sporting culture. She introduced the session's special guest, ONOC President Baklai Temengil-Chilton, while Wallace introduced IOC President Kirsty Coventry, both of whom addressed the athletes directly.

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President Coventry, Africa's most decorated Olympian and former Chair of the IOC Athletes Commission before her election as IOC President in 2025, spoke candidly about what it means to be genuinely included in governance structures. She acknowledged the complexity of the Olympic movement and the many layers of responsibility that sit beyond the field of play, encouraging athletes to approach governance with curiosity rather than frustration.

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“Can we do better? Yes. Should we do better? Yes. Are we working on that? Yes. That is part of growth and how we move forward, but we also need all of you to help us do that in a collaborative way, in a way that makes sense.” — Kirsty Coventry, President, IOC

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President Baklai Temengil-Chilton, an IOC member and accomplished athlete who represented Palau in canoe, brought a deeply personal message to the room. She spoke of the daily act of showing up — whether at the training paddock or around the governance table — drawing a direct line between the discipline of sport and the work of leadership.

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“It's really about your story and sharing those experiences with everyone. The best thing about Oceania, we all know each other. The best thing about sport, you all are teammates. Share those stories and really be there for each other.” — Baklai Temengil-Chilton, President, ONOC

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The opening session brought together athlete representatives from all ONOC Member National Olympic Committees and seven Associate Members, many of whom had travelled significant distances across the Pacific to be in the room. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, the 2027 Pacific Mini Games in Tahiti ahead, and Brisbane 2032 shaping regional ambition, the Forum represents a timely convergence of athlete voice and strategic opportunity for the region.

The second day of the Forum continued with dedicated sessions on athlete leadership and commission strengthening, before Day 3 turns to action with a focus on athlete protection, welfare, and practical steps for Oceania's commissions to take home.