KOROR, PALAU - The VOA programme stands as Athletes Commission's flagship initiative, having evolved significantly since its inception in 2007. Originally launched as a joint initiative between UNAIDS, the Regional Anti-Doping Organisation and the ONOC Athletes Commission at the Samoa South Pacific Games, the programme initially focused on advocating for drug-free sport, HIV awareness and prevention, and leadership development. What began as an informational platform has transformed into an interactive experience that solicits participation and feedback from athletes, with embedded guidance from programme facilitators.

"The programme has grown a lot from where it started off," explains Tessa Marie Harman, a VOA Coordinator involved since 2017. "Our key messages in the past were focused mainly around the NCD component, but now we've actually moved into a more athlete-centred programme in terms of delivering messages on athlete safeguarding, athlete wellbeing, and also just ensuring that athletes themselves know their responsibilities as athletes and as leaders."

The impact of this approach is evident in the programme's reach and participant feedback. Recent iterations have seen remarkable growth, with the 2019 Samoa Pacific Games attracting 2,151 participants from nine countries. More importantly, the programme has successfully empowered local athletes and volunteers to become advocates for positive change in their communities.

For local Palau volunteers like Ungildil, an 18-year-old high school student, the programme has been transformative. "When I first started, I was so shy, I couldn't talk because I didn't meet anybody," she reflects. "But then I really liked it, because I got to meet new athletes, and then I have new friends now." The experience has prepared her for leadership roles, with Ungildil noting, "Because I was more so shy, going on to my senior year, I can be more open and hear everybody's ideas and make new games for them to play."

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Similarly, Ngermaad, another local volunteer and recent graduate, emphasises the programme's broader life lessons. "Athletes' voices matter, because it is important to learn to be yourself and learn about integrity. Through the programme you learn to stay healthy, keep yourself clean, and you learn to build good relationships."

President Temengil's address to the workshop graduates highlighted these very outcomes. "Sport isn't only about what happens on the field, it's about how we grow together, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships off the field too," she told participants. She praised the programme for equipping young people with leadership tools and creating platforms where athletes can influence positive change in their communities.

"What inspires me most is seeing young people step forward, speak up, and take part in shaping sport beyond competition. That's where real legacy begins," Temengil added, emphasising that character building through both success and setbacks remains central to athletic development.

The programme's success has inspired replication across the region, with countries like Solomon Islands now delivering VOA initiatives. This expansion reflects the programme's core achievement of empowering local National Olympic Committee Athletes Commissions to deliver meaningful athlete advocacy independently.

The VOA programme's legacy extends far beyond the competition arena. "The Games are a moment, but your impact can last far beyond them," President Temengil reminded graduates, encapsulating the programme's enduring mission to develop not just better athletes, but stronger leaders and advocates for positive social change throughout Oceania.

Through its evolution from information dissemination to interactive engagement, the Voices of the Athletes programme continues to demonstrate that sport's greatest victories often occur away from the field of play.

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