ONOC and OPC Strengthen Partnership Through MOU Signing in the Pacific

April 29, 2024
ONOC
Dr Selwyn Maister, Secretary General of the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC), Paul Bird, President of OPC, Dr Robin Mitchell, President of the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC), and Ricardo Blas, Secretary General of ONOC, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ONOC and OPC, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of Para sports in the Oceania region.

The Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) and the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC) are thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aimed at fortifying the relationship between the two organisations. This landmark agreement is designed to elevate the development of Para sports throughout the Oceania Region, encompassing the 17 member countries of ONOC.

The MOU highlights a commitment to fostering the participation and integration of athletes, coaches, officials, and teams from OPC member nations in the broader spectrum of ONOC activities. These initiatives include sports development programmes, sports education endeavours, high-performance training opportunities, and the significant legacies of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

Through this collaboration, ONOC and OPC will engage in joint efforts to advance the growth and inclusivity of Para sports across the Oceania region. This partnership underscores the shared dedication to creating pathways for athletes of all abilities to excel, compete, and inspire.

Paul Bird, President of the OPC, and Dr. Robin Mitchell, President of ONOC, after signing the MOU, affirming their commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in sports across the Oceania region.

Dr Robin Mitchell, President of the Oceania National Olympic Committee said “As President of ONOC, I am honoured to embark on this transformative journey alongside the Oceania Paralympic Committee. Our partnership signifies a resolute commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and the timeless Olympic values that unite us all. Together, we embrace the extraordinary potential of Para sports, forging a path where every athlete, regardless of ability, can shine brightly on the global stage of competition and inspiration."

Paul Bird, President of the Oceania Paralympic Committee, said “We have been developing our partnership with ONOC for the past few years and this MOU further cements our relationship and signals our ongoing commitment to work collaboratively, as we build up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I am excited by the boundless potential this partnership with ONOC holds for the development of Para sports in Oceania, propelling us towards a thrilling journey of inclusivity, excellence, and unprecedented achievements for our Pacific nations, and making for a more inclusive Oceania to ensure that no one is left behind."

The ONOC and OPC MOU was signed during the 44th ONOC General Assembly on 26 March, in the presence of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons, National Olympic Committee (NOC) and National Paralympic Committee (NPC) representatives, Regional Sport Organisation Representatives and other dignitaries and guests.

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About OPC
The Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC) is the regional governing body for Paralympic sport in the Oceania region, dedicated to promoting and developing Para sports and opportunities for athletes with a disabilitiy. For more information, please visit https://www.oceaniaparalympic.org.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Fiona Allan
Oceania Paralympic Committees (OPC)  
Mobile:+64 272484828
Email: fionakathrynallan@gmail.com

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About ONOC 
Established in 1981, the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) is one of five Continental Associations. It looks after the interests of 17 member nations in the Oceania Region, including Australia and New Zealand as well as seven associate members. 

ONOC has an office in Guam where Secretary General Mr. Ricardo Blas is based and the Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, where the Office of the President Dr Robin Mitchell is located.

All services and-programmes are based on the ONOC Strategic Plan for 2021-2024, and its 4 Core Functions are (1) Strengthening NOC Services (2) Supporting Sporting Excellence (3) Cultivating Strategic Partnerships and (4) Leading by Example.

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For more information, please contact;

Shivneel Narayan
Chief Communications Officer (Acting)
shivneel@oceanianoc.org

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