Uphold Olympic Values
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach is urging all Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) members to appreciate, engage and show dedication in supporting the Olympic movement.
He made the remarks yesterday while officiating the opening of the XLII ONOC general assembly at the Sheraton Fiji Golf Resort in Denarau.
The theme of the event is ‘40 years of building lives through the Olymprism in Oceania’.
“I was really longing to be back with you here after some years,” Bach said.
The meeting returns after two years of pandemic.
He commended Oceania for setting a benchmark because of the solidarity among their agencies during the pandemic.
Bach reiterated the importance for ONOC, and leading individuals, not to support actions like the Russian invasion on Ukraine.
Bach also emphasised how the IOC supported the United Nations’ sustainability and development goals.
“As far as all of us are concerned, in particular with climate change. I have decided to join the sport for the climate action framework.
“In solidarity, because nobody can fight against climate change alone. You will know about the IOC commitment in this respect. The IOC will be climate positive in 2024. And the Olympic Games will be climate positive.
“At this moment, we can be pretty confident that they can achieve these targets even in this very short period of time.
“There is a real long term vision to start with creating a legacy, and the power of this legacy will be this project with Oceania. We’ll start with the preparation of your athletes from now on.”
Bach thanked ONOC president Dr Robin Mitchell for his leadership and support for IOC.
Dr Mitchell was re-elected as president, along with secretary general Ricardo Blas.
New Suva HQ
Tonight, Bach will be part of the ONOC 40th anniversary dinner at Suva’s Grand Pacific Hotel. This takes place after he opens the new ONOC headquarters in Suva.
Award for Saukuru
Former Oceania Sport and Education Programme coordinator, Sainimili Saukuru, was one of two recipients who received the ONOC Merit Award from Bach during the XLII ONOC general assembly yesterday.
Saukuru joined the Olympic Movement in May 2007 until she left her post in December because of the ‘No Jab, No Work’ policy.
“I thank the IOC and Olympic Solidarity for all that you have done. I pulled up my heart with passion because I believe growth involves investing in our people,” the 47-yearold said.
She also said OSEP was about change, making a difference, challenging the status quo and raising the bar.
The mother of four children is now running her own entrepreneurship
Kingdom personal coaching.
The other recipient was Organisation of Sports Federations of Oceania (OSFO) secretary general, Chet Gray.