Commission Members Encouraged To Know Role

The Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) Athletes Commission outgoing chairperson Hilda Kunau is adamant that new members of the commission will understand their roles and responsibilities.

The Commission last weekend  held its general elections during the2023 FASANOC Athletes’ Commission Forum which was attended by athlete representatives from 17 National Federations who voted in two new members on Saturday 27th May, 2023 at the Holiday Inn.

"The Commission is an integral part of FASANOC's strategic plan and is looking into more athlete participation in decision making," Mrs Kunau said.

"It is important that the athlete reps raise their hands and voices and contribute to not only athlete welfare but growing the brand that is FASANOC."

Mrs Kunau said without athletes there was no FASANOC and vice versa so it was important to work closely not only with FASANOC but other commissions that fall under the FASANOC umbrella.

The new members of the Commission are para athlete Leslie Tikotikoca and Andre Roxburgh (Squash) who join newly elected chairperson Quintyn Stephen (Shooting).  The following Champions continue their role as committee members: Olympians Cheyenne Rova and Matelita Buadromo(Swimming), Catherine Thaggard (Hockey), William Bennion (Chess) and Naomi Waqanidrola (Football).

FASANOC Chief Executive, Vanessa Kilner, congratulated the new members of the commission and reminded them of the important role they play within FASANOC.

"It is important that we know who we are and where we are going as a commission," she said.

"Within FASANOC's Strategic Plan there is a who pillar dedicated to athletes so we have to create more awareness and take ownership of the role we play within the commission."

Ms Kilner said it was important that the commission raise its standards and collectively work together to find out what worked and what didn't in the past.

"I'm excited about the future of the commission and hope that they will continue to have their voices heard within the FASANOC Executive Board.

Ms Kilner encouraged the newly elected members of the commission to have an open mind and also to speak out when required.

Representatives from World Archery Fiji, Fiji Islands Baseball & Softball Association, Fiji Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation, Fiji Chess Federation, Golf Fiji, Fiji Hockey Federation, Fiji Football Association, Karate Fiji, Squash Fiji, Shooting Association of Fiji, Fiji Swimming, Tennis Fiji, Fiji Triathlon, Fiji Taekwondo Association, Fiji Volleyball Federation and Fiji Outrigger Canoe Racing Association attended the forum with some attending on-line.

The work of the Commission is positioned under the FASANOC Strategic Plan under Strategic Focus: Commissions and Sport Services whose Goal is to 'Provide support for the development and growth of National Federations and Commissions through positive collaboration.

The Commission was established by FASANOC in 2003 to promote and protect the best interests of Fiji's national sports athletes with one of its functions being to represent the views and concerns of athletes to the FASANOC Executive Board (EB) and to promote athlete involvement in decision-making at all levels.

The Commission’s mission statement is to create a healthy and conducive environment for holistic growth of athletes where their best interests are always at the heart and its purpose is to  create a safe space for athletes to know their rights and work with FASANOC and the National Federations to promote Safe Sport.

The Commission promotes athlete involvement through advocating the benefits of athlete involvement in FASANOC and NF decision-making, and to specifically advocate on the FAC’s learning and support other FASANOC Commissions in advocating their learning as well as empower athlete representation through athlete representatives on the EB of NFs.

The Chair of the Commission alternates between a male and female every term as it strives for gender equality in its composition.

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