The biennial event brings together athlete representatives from across the Oceania region to address key challenges, strengthen athlete commissions, and ensure athlete voices are represented in sport governance at all levels.

The theme of this year’s forum is around sharing the vision of “Building Bridges & Breaking Barriers”.

Acknowledgement

ONOC Executive Director Inoke Bainimarama welcomed participants alongside ONOC President Dr Robin Mitchell and ONOC Secretary General Ricardo Blas. They reaffirmed ONOC’s commitment to supporting and developing athletes.

Commitment to Athlete Welfare and Growth

“Athletes are at the heart of the Olympic movement,” Bainimarama stated in his opening remarks, highlighting the ONOC Strategic Plan that guides the organization’s priorities.

He underscored the significance of Priority Area 2 under the current ONOC Strategic Plan, which centres around governance and adherence to best practices, such as policies that encourage athlete participation, involvement, and welfare.

Furthermore, Bainimarama discussed ONOC's accomplishments concerning Priority Area 3, which targets coaching and developing the athlete entourage.

“Our goal of accrediting and training over 2,000 support staff by 2024 has already been surpassed,” he noted.

Oceania’s Success in Paris 2024

Bainimarama proudly acknowledged achievements of our athletes at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, including personal bests, national records, and Fiji’s silver medal in Men’s Rugby Sevens.

He also commended the achievements of Australia and New Zealand at the Games, who placed 4th and 11th respectively; with the Games serving as the most successful Olympics ever for Team Australia.

“I am pleased to celebrate the outcomes of our athletes at the recent Paris 2024 Games; these are outcomes our NOCs can aspire to and work towards, through our joint athlete high-performance efforts.”

Outcomes from the 5th Oceania Athletes’ Forum

With the commencing of the 6th Oceania Athletes’ Forum, Bainimarama drew the focus to the outcomes from the last Oceania Athletes’ Forum in 2022.

Two sub-regional athletes’ forums were held in 2023 after receiving IOC funding. Micronesia and Melanesia successfully convened events in their respective sub-regions.

“Working at a sub-regional level has really enhanced representation and collaboration, an initiative taken up at the NOC leadership level as well.”

Encouragement

He encouraged full participant engagement, stating the platform is essential for representing Oceania athletes’ voices and needs.

“The Oceania Athletes’ Forum serves as an important platform to ensure athletes voices across Oceania are heard and supported.”

Programme ahead

Over the next two days, athletes from across Oceania will explore the role and impact of Athletes' Commissions on athlete welfare, career development, and advocacy within the Olympic movement. The sessions will cover the responsibilities of an Athletes’ Commission, which serves as a platform for athlete voice. This body advocates for athletes in areas such as policy, welfare, mental health, training, and career transitions. The forum aims to foster collaboration, enabling athletes to collectively shape a healthier sporting ecosystem that prioritizes athlete well-being and accountability. As the forum unfolds, participants will discuss how Athletes’ Commissions can enhance the sporting experience, providing athletes tools and resources for in and out of sport success.

The 6th Oceania Athletes’ Forum is underway at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, and it concludes on 20 October 2024.

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Photos

A selection of photos for the Oceania Athletes’ Forum 2024 can be found on Flickr.