The workshop, which began on Monday, equipped participants with the knowledge, tools, and methodologies necessary to effectively champion the VOA programme's five core pillars: Play Safe, Stay Healthy, Play True, Go Green, and Be A Leader. The training represents ONOC's commitment to athlete-centered development and regional sports governance enhancement.

Strategic Regional Impact

"The Voices of the Athletes (VOA) programme continues to be a powerful platform for athlete empowerment across Oceania. At the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, it's inspiring to see both local and international athlete advocates working together to champion values of Playing Safe, Staying Healthy, Playing True, Going Green and Being a Leader," said Kenny Wallace OLY, Chair of the ONOC Athletes' Commission.

"Through the leadership of the ONOC Athletes' Commission and with support from passionate athlete volunteers, the VOA program is giving athletes across the Pacific a voice—and the tools to make a real, positive impact in their communities."

The programme targets meaningful engagement with 30% of Pacific Mini Games athletes through interactive, peer-to-peer educational sessions designed to promote athlete welfare, sport integrity, and leadership development across the region.

Regional VOA Champions

The VOA team features distinguished regional representatives whose diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to athlete advocacy strengthen the programme's regional reach and impact:

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Eugene Eka (PNG) – Papua New Guinea A recently retired Touch Rugby athlete, Eugene represented Papua New Guinea at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands. As a strong advocate for athlete education, Eugene plays an active role in the PNG HERO program while serving on the PNGOC Athletes Commission. His commitment to continuing contributions to sport and athlete development beyond his competitive career exemplifies the programme's sustainability objectives.

Esther Yates-Pollard (SOL) – Solomon Islands A proud representative of Solomon Islands in Va'a, Esther played a significant role as part of the VOA Team during the 2023 Pacific Games in her home country. She continues to drive VOA programme implementation post-Games and brings valuable insight and passion to her work with athletes at all levels through her role on the NOCSI Athletes Commission.

Anabelle Smith (AUS) – Australia A four-time Olympian in Diving who recently retired following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Anabelle's distinguished career and ongoing involvement as a member of the AOC Athletes Commission position her as a strong and inspiring voice for athletes across Oceania. Her dedication to athlete advocacy and wellbeing is evident through her continued involvement in athlete-centered initiatives.

Institutional Recognition and Support

The Australian Olympic Committee has acknowledged Anabelle Smith's appointment as one of three regional VOA Athlete Champions for the Pacific Mini Games, demonstrating the programme's recognition across regional sporting institutions.

Programme Implementation and Future Outlook

The VOA programme demonstrates confidence that regional representatives and trained local volunteers will significantly contribute to programme growth and reach during the Games. Their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to athlete welfare and engagement ensure that VOA messaging continues to resonate with and support athletes across the region.

The programme represents a strategic component of ONOC's broader regional development framework, emphasizing sustainable athlete advocacy, peer-to-peer education, and collaborative capacity building across Pacific sporting communities.

Through systematic training, cultural integration, and partnership development, the VOA programme continues to establish robust foundations for athlete-centered governance and community impact across Oceania's diverse sporting landscape.

The 3-day workshop is a partnership between the ONOC Athletes Commission, the Palau National Olympic Committee and the Palau Olympians and Athletes’ Commission and Total Teams.

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About the VOA Programme
Voices of the Athletes (VOA) is a flagship programme using athletes for advocacy and action surrounding social issues. It began in 2007 and evolved into its current interactive format delivered across multiple games. The outreach programme was a joint initiative between UNAIDS, the Oceania Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (ORADO) and the ONOC Athletes Commission kickstarted at the 2007 Samoa South Pacific Games. The purpose of the outreach was to advocate for drug free sport, HIV awareness and prevention and the importance of leadership. Since then, VOA has evolved into a movement educating and advocating for social development issues.