The 6th Oceania Athletes’ Forum will take place from October 18-20, 2024, bringing together athlete representatives from National Olympic Committees (NOCs) across Oceania. The forum aims to address key issues impacting athletes, such as welfare, leadership, and safeguarding, while providing a platform for collaborative discussions. Hosted by ONOC’s Athletes’ Commission (AC), it is a vital event for shaping the future of sport in the region.

This biennial event, supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through Athlete365, focuses on empowering athletes and strengthening their role in decision-making. ONOC President Dr. Robin Mitchell highlighted its importance, emphasizing the need to protect athlete rights and elevate their voices in the Pacific’s sports landscape. Ken Wallace, Chair of the ONOC Athletes’ Commission, also reinforced the necessity of ensuring that athletes actively contribute to shaping sports in Oceania.

KEY SESSIONS AND DISCUSSIONS

Athletes will participate in presentations and breakout sessions over the three days, with key insights from the Olympic Solidarity program and updates from both ONOC and IOC Athletes’ Commissions. IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Emma Terho will lead discussions on global progress in athlete support, and Ken Wallace will focus on preparations for the Pacific Games and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The forum is designed to provide leadership and advocacy skills to athletes, helping them lead their respective NOCs. Former ONOC AC Chair Karo Lelai will present strategies for fostering athlete well-being, while athletes also receive updates on grant programs and safeguarding initiatives.

The ultimate goal of the forum is to equip athlete leaders with the tools necessary to drive progress within their commissions and advocate effectively for their communities. By empowering athletes to return to their NOCs with actionable plans, the Oceania Athletes’ Forum aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and leadership in regional sports.