ONOC announces new appointment

The chairperson of the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) Athletes’ Commission, Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Karo Lelai has been appointed as the Oceania liaison on the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athletes’ Commission.

“I’m privileged to represent Oceania athletes at the highest level,” Lelai told ONOC Media.

“My appointment is evidence that anyone can excel within the Olympic Movement in an administrative role,” she added.

Leilai is now the second PNG female sports administrator on an IOC Commission.

Current PNG National Olympic Committee (PNGNOC) secretary general and IOC member Auvita Rapilla serves on four IOC Commissions.

GENDER EQUALITY

The IOC said in a statement last week that the composition (of IOC Commissions) has once again shown a year-on-year progression towards gender equality, with 47.7 per cent of positions across the 30 commissions now held by women, coming from 45.4 percent in 2019. “Advancing women in leadership roles in sport is truly a team effort, and I want to thank all those who have contributed to this for their continued support, commitment and inspiration,” said IOC president Thomas Bach in the statement.

President Bach continued: “By increasing female participation in IOC commissions and the number of female chairs on IOC commissions, the IOC is hearing the female voice more and more and ensuring that women and girls can be empowered by using the powerful platform that sport provides to promote gender equality.”

KEY ROLE

ONOC president Dr Robin Mitchell said he was pleased and proud that Karo had been appointed as a liaison within the Athletes’ Commission, particularly as she is representing the Oceania continent. “She’s always played a key role in promoting the work of athletes in the time that she’s been on our ONOC Athletes’ Commission,” Dr Mitchell added.

“Karo is also listed as representing basketball, which is also good for team sports and with her legal background, she has not only contributed to the athletes work but also through her role as well as on our ONOC Executive.

Dr Mitchell said Karo has also continued the tradition set by New Zealand’s Barbara Kendall, in also being appointed chairperson of the ANOC Athletes’ Commission since its inception.

“This shows the good work they are doing not only locally but worldwide as well,” Dr Mitchell said.

For Lelai, this appointment further strengthens the cause and the mandate set out by the Commission. “