FISU (International University Sports Federation) Oceania Vice President Amy Sasser and Executive Committee member Karl Whalen have participated in activities related to the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) General Assembly currently taking place in Nadi, Fiji.

Hosted by the ONOC and the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC), the coveted Step Up Oceania Conference, the ONOC General Assembly and the Organisation of Sport Federations of Oceania (OSFO) General Assembly have brought together representatives from over 70 sport stakeholders and partners from the Oceania region. 

The Step Up Oceania Conference was been held for the second time after a successful inaugural event in 2023. The theme of this year's conference was 'Positioning the Pacific for Success,' with a key focus on how the Pacific can capitalise on what is considered their home games - the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

"The Step Up Oceania Conference has demonstrated Oceania's desire to be successful at Brisbane 2032. All of Oceania's sports federations and National Olympic Committees are committed to working together in the lead up to the Games. We are pleased that university sport can be part of this collaboration and provide opportunities for student athletes in the lead up to 2032," said Whalen.

Connecting with the many National University Sport Federations (NUSFs) representatives in attendance also allowed for valuable discussions on university sport projects in specific countries. "The opportunity to meet face-to-face with our NUSFs from numerous countries has provided valuable time for discussions on how we can continue to grow university sport in the Pacific," stressed Sasser. 

Amy Sasser and Karl Whalen attended the General Assembly of the ONOC. FISU OCEANIA
Amy Sasser and Karl Whalen attended the General Assembly of the ONOC. FISU OCEANIA

"Providing competitive and leadership opportunities for university students is a key priority for FISU Oceania and we were able to promote some of these opportunities during our time here in Fiji. We look forward to further collaborations and partnerships with existing and future NUSF members," she concluded.   

By attending the event in person, FISU Oceania was able to further educate Oceania's sports federations and other key stakeholders about the global university sport network of events and opportunities.   

As a member of the OSFO, FISU Oceania was also able to attend the OSFO General Assembly where Kevin Gosper was recognised for his significant contribution to sport in the region. 

As the outgoing President of OSFO, Gosper reflected on his time with the federation and welcomed the newly appointed President, Yvonne Mullins. Attending the OSFO General Assembly is seen as an important opportunity to network with other sports federations in the Pacific.