Athletes play a vital role in the Olympic movement, as emphasized by Inoke Bainimarama, executive director of the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC), during the 6th Oceania Athletes’ Forum in Nadi. Bainimarama announced a significant investment of USD 400,000 dedicated to the work of the Athletes Commission from 2021 to 2024, which equates to USD 100,000 per year.
He stressed that ONOC is committed to athlete welfare, providing leadership opportunities, and facilitating development, all of which are integral to ONOC’s strategic plan. More than 100 athletes from 15 Pacific National Olympic Committees participated in the Paris Olympic Games last year, competing in 12 sports. Bainimarama highlighted that there were 14 personal bests and four national records, showcasing the growth of sports in the Pacific region.
He also celebrated the success of the Fiji Men’s Rugby Sevens Team, which won a silver medal, while Australia achieved its most successful Olympics ever, securing 53 medals, including 18 gold. New Zealand placed 11th on the medal table, earning 20 medals, of which 10 were gold.
Bainimarama extended his appreciation to the Athletes’ Commissions for aligning their efforts with broader strategies, including the IOC Athletes’ Commission plan and Olympic Agenda 2020+5. He encouraged participants to engage deeply in discussions over the next two days, sharing their experiences and ideas to inspire new initiatives upon returning home.