She was named to lead the team that will represent the country's athletes, while cyclist Peter Lombard was elected vice-president of the Commission, bowler Jay Leon Guerrero was chosen as secretary general, basketball player Maree Pelkey as secretary and canoeist Nina Peck became a Board member.

Ada explained the importance of the body's role, which includes reporting to the National Olympic Committee on behalf of the athletes to address various issues if and when they arise.

"As members of the Guam National Athletes Commission, each representative sits on their respective National Federation's board with the ability to vote on decisions that ultimately affect the athletes," she said.

"We also provide information to athletes to ensure all relevant information is communicated."

New Zealand Olympic sailboard champion and Oceania National Olympic Committees' (ONOC) Athletes Commission chair Barbara Kendall, Australian Olympic rowing gold medallist James Tomkins, footballer and Papua New Guinea Athletes Commission President Alex Davani and Sustainable Coastlines co-founder Sam Judd recently visited Guam to offer advice to the new Athletes' Commission members, something that Ada said has helped her team to develop.

New Zealand's 1992 Olympic sailboard gold medallist Barbara Kendall visited Guam to offer advice to the new Athletes Commission members  ©Tasi Ada

"Barbara Kendall helped provide a foundation for the Athletes Commission to continue to develop and focus our attention on the issues specific to the athletes here on Guam," she said. 

"The workshop with her and other fellow board members of the ONOC gave us the opportunity to understand our purpose within the Olympic Movement as well.

"We as a Commission were also more inspired and more enthusiastic about the potential to make a positive impact as athletes and for athletes of Guam."

Ada said the Athletes Commission is now planning a forum for the nation's athletes to learn more about the role of her body and the Olympic Committee, as well as find out about the various programmes available to them, such as the Oceania Sports Education, Stay Active and Excellence for Life initiatives.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]