Papeete, Tahiti

The ONOC Education Commission has reinforced its commitment to strengthening education, workforce capability and safeguarding across the Pacific, presenting its strategic priorities and opportunities for greater regional collaboration during the 2026 Oceania Sport workshop in Papeete, Tahiti.

Presenting the Commission's report, Commission Member and Oceania Sport representative Regan Kama outlined the Commission's achievements, strategic priorities and opportunities to strengthen collaboration between ONOC, the Oceania Sport Education Programme (OSEP) and Oceania Sport.

Kama highlighted significant progress achieved during 2025, including the endorsement of six new micro-qualifications in sport administration and workforce development, the continued expansion of education initiatives across the region, the adoption of Xero to strengthen financial management and reporting, and the delivery of a comprehensive OSEP calendar comprising 47 education events across 15 National Olympic Committees (NOCs).

These initiatives have supported stronger governance, workforce capability, gender equality, quality assurance and sustainable programme delivery throughout Oceania.

Looking ahead, she outlined the Commission's priorities for 2026, including enhanced training and support for Sport Education Officers, redevelopment of the OSEP Learning Management System, development of new micro-qualification curricula, rollout of safeguarding education, continued Chef de Mission and entourage education, implementation of the APEX Relationship-building Toolkit, and ongoing professional development opportunities for trainers and OSEP staff.

Delegates were also presented with the Commission's three Strategic Focus Areas for 2026-2028, centred on strengthening education systems and workforce development, expanding strategic partnerships and regional influence, and advancing Olympic Values Education, quality physical education and community engagement throughout Oceania.

A key feature of the presentation was the opportunity to deepen collaboration between ONOC, OSEP and Oceania Sport through practical initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for member organisations.

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Among the opportunities identified were integrating the Safeguarding Well Programme into OSEP education pathways to strengthen wellbeing, safeguarding and health literacy, alongside expanded collaboration in technical officials' education, workforce development and the sharing of expertise and educational resources across regional networks. The Commission also reaffirmed the value of Oceania Sport's continued participation in Education Commission discussions to ensure shared priorities are translated into practical outcomes for members across Oceania.

The presentation came just one day after Kama was honoured with the 2026 Oceania Sport Merit Award, recognising her outstanding contribution to sport and sport education across the Oceania region.

Reflecting on the recognition, Kama paid tribute to the mentors and opportunities that shaped her journey and reaffirmed her commitment to developing future leaders.

"I was fortunate to begin my journey as an Australian Youth Ambassador with FIBA Oceania, and that experience opened the door to working throughout the Oceania region. Through basketball, athletics, ONOC and the Education Commission, I've been blessed to meet incredible people who have inspired and guided me along the way."

"I always tell young people the importance of having leaders and role models to look up to. For me, this recognition is really about giving back and helping create opportunities for the next generation to come through and lead our region into the future," Kama reflected.

ONOC President Baklai Temengil congratulated Kama on receiving the prestigious award, describing the honour as recognition of a lifetime of service to sport and education in Oceania.

"Regan's recognition by Oceania Sport is richly deserved and reflects her unwavering commitment to strengthening sport across our region. Through her leadership, expertise and generosity in sharing knowledge, she has helped build the capability of sporting organisations and develop education pathways that continue to benefit our National Olympic Committees and the wider Oceania sporting community."

President Temengil said the work of the Education Commission continued to be central to delivering the ONOC Strategic Plan 2025-2028 and strengthening partnerships across the region.

"Education is one of the strongest foundations of sustainable sport development. Through the ONOC Education Commission and the Oceania Sport Education Programme, we are investing in people who will lead the future of sport in our region."

"Our partnership with Oceania Sport demonstrates what can be achieved when regional organisations work together with a shared purpose. By aligning our expertise and resources, we can strengthen governance, safeguarding, technical education and leadership development across Oceania."

"As we prepare for the Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games and continue our collective journey towards Brisbane 2032, collaboration will be more important than ever. Together, we are building a stronger, more capable and more connected sporting community that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Oceanians," President Temengil said.