In an emotional and personal moment, the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) honored outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach during the XLV ONOC General Assembly in Guam. During the ceremony, ONOC staff performed a farewell song based on local island culture, while he was presented with three symbolic gifts representing the regions of Oceania: a turtle for Micronesia, a manta ray for Polynesia and a dolphin for Melanesia.
The song, titled “Isa Lei,” included an emotional chorus that read, “Isa Lei, the purple shadow falling, Sad the morrow will dawn upon my sorrow; O, forget not, when you’re far away, Precious moments from Oceania.”
Thomas Bach’s speech and cheers from the delegates
Thomas Bach’s speech was followed by standing ovations from the delegates present. “Every visit to Oceania is a highlight for me. I feel truly privileged to have been received so many times by you. I have enjoyed every minute of it,” said Bach. He also highlighted the unity, community spirit and solidarity of the region, and asked delegates to extend the same support to his successor, IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry.
Bach used the occasion to honor IOC member and outgoing ONOC President Dr. Robin Mitchell, highlighting his leadership and lasting impact on the Olympic Movement. Bach presented Mitchell with the IOC Presidential Trophy, entitled “The Sky is the Limit.” Bach explained, “This trophy could not be more appropriate, because under your leadership, dear Robin, only the sky was the limit. Your vision was always broad, your ambitions high and your commitment deep. Thank you, dear Robin, from the bottom of my heart.”
During the General Assembly, delegates elected IOC member Baklai Temengil as the new president of ONOC. Thomas Bach was among the first to congratulate her on her election, wishing her success in her new task.
Award to Annette Edmondson
During the Assembly, Olympic bronze medalist and three-time cycling world champion Annette Edmondson received the IOC Award for Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Oceania. The IOC president presented the award, while IOC member Ian Chesterman highlighted her work as an advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sport.
Meeting with the governor of Guam
Thomas Bach was welcomed to the island by Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, with whom he discussed the role of sport as a key enabler for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They also celebrated the success of Guam’s athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where eight athletes from the tiny NOC competed. The governor congratulated Bach for his work during his 12-year tenure, noting, “You left incredible marks on the IOC.”
