Koror, Palau - Eugene Eka from Papua New Guinea, Esther Yates Pollard from Solomon Islands, and Annabelle Smith from Australia bring diverse backgrounds and shared passion to the VOA, the ONOC Athletes Commission flagship programme.  Since its inception in 2007 it has evolved from a simple educational platform into an athlete-led movement that tackles critical social issues across Oceania.

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For Eugene Eka, a seasoned touch football player, captained the PNG men’s touch team for almost 15  years and competed in three Pacific Games, the transition to advocacy felt natural. Coming from a family of five where he serves as the eldest sibling, Eka understands responsibility and leadership. Now working with Papua New Guinea's Internal Revenue Commission, he brings both athletic and professional experience to his advocacy role. "The messages from the programme needs to go out to the athletes... I have to go out and spread these messages. To have an impact on the athletes and to make a change," he explains.

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Eka's motivation stems from a deep understanding of athlete experiences and the recognition that those in leadership positions need to listen. "Without athletes, there wouldn't be any Federation, there wouldn't be any mother body in the country. So the athletes need to be heard," he emphasizes. His journey from competing in the Pacific Games to serving on Papua New Guinea's Athletes Commission demonstrates how athletes can transition their competitive drive into meaningful advocacy.

Esther Yates Pollard, representing Solomon Islands in her third year with the VOA programme, brings the perspective of someone who has witnessed the initiative's growth firsthand. The va'a paddler from Isabel and Malaita has not only participated in the programme but has delivered it during the Pacific Games in her home country—an experience she describes as one of her most memorable moments. Her evolution from a nervous first-time competitor at the Saipan Mini Games to a confident advocate illustrates the transformative power of the VOA approach.

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What makes the VOA programme particularly impactful is its foundation in authentic athlete experiences. As Pollard articulates, "The voices of athlete is really important, because I for one as an athlete, I understand what it's like to actually go through, like hard training and commitment and all the sacrifice that we have made to get here."

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This authenticity resonates throughout the programme's five key messages: Play Safe, Stay Healthy, Play True, Go Green, and Be A Leader. The champions understand that effective advocacy comes from lived experience, speaking directly to fellow athletes who face similar challenges and pressures.

Olympic diver Annabelle Smith from Australia approaches her first VOA programme at the Mini Games with the perspective of an athlete who has benefited from extensive resources and education. Having spent 20 years in competitive diving and earned Olympic medals, Smith understands the transformative power of sport beyond competition results. "I feel like I have lots of skills from being an athlete and all the education that I've received over my entire diving career that I feel like it's really important that I can use that information and give back to the community, especially within the Pacific," she shares.

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Smith emphasizes the importance of holistic athlete development, noting that "being good athletes, being good people and happy, well rounded people, that's super important for me to project that message." Her focus on well-being reflects the programme's evolution toward more comprehensive athlete support, drawing from her own experiences of building resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome adversity throughout her athletic career.

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Central to the VOA approach is the emphasis on values-driven leadership. Eka's advice to fellow athletes encapsulates this philosophy: "Just stick to your values... Once you stick to your values, it keeps you grounded, it keeps you disciplined, and it keeps you healthy along the way."

The programme's presence at the Pacific Mini Games provides crucial support during high-pressure competition periods. Through interactive activities and meaningful conversations, the VOA Champions create safe spaces where athletes can find respite from competition stress while connecting with important life skills and values.

For these three champions, their role transcends mere participation—it represents a calling to use their platform and experience to empower the next generation of Pacific athletes, ensuring the legacy of sport extends far beyond any single competition.

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For more information about the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, visit;