The move, which has been welcomed by the International Sports Press (AIPS), which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), forms part of an ONOC drive to create similar organisations in the region.

It is hoped that by doing so, National Olympic Committees in Oceania will be better placed to spread their news and announcements.

Another goal is to better publicise sporting accomplishments across the region.

Known as the Friendly Islands Sports Journalists Association, the new organisation was established in Tonga's capital Nuku’alofa this month.

The Tonga organisation follows the creation of similar bodies in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) President Sir John Dawanicura welcomed the creation of the organisation in his country in November.

The body was officially formed in a ceremony at the PNGOC headquarters in Port Moresby, with Sir John among those attending alongside Media Council of PNG President, Alexander Rheenay.

In August, a similar body was revived in Fiji after a 10-year hiatus.

It is hoped that other countries will now follow suit.

ONOC President Robin Mitchell has said that his organisation will help in the establishment of Sports Journalists' Associations to help spread the message of Olympism.

The issue is considered a priority for ONOC.