IOC Sport Development Lead Engages with Fiji Athletes, Olympians and Scholarship Holders

SUVA, FIJI - The Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) recently welcomed Sheila Stephens Desbans, IOC Head of Sport Development Unit and Continental Manager for Oceania, to Olympic House for discussions with athletes, coaches, administrators and sporting stakeholders. She works closely with National Olympic Committees across the region to support athlete and sport development initiatives.

The visit provided an opportunity to discuss athlete development, leadership, wellbeing, education opportunities and the future of sport across Oceania.

Speaking following the discussions, Desbans highlighted the importance of hearing directly from athletes and stakeholders.

“It was particularly valuable to hear directly from athletes about their experiences, challenges and aspirations for the future. Those conversations are essential in helping us better understand and support the needs of athletes across the region.”

The session brought together IOC scholarship holders Heleina Young, Taniela Rainibogi and Lolohea Naitasi, alongside Olympians Carl Probert, Matelita Buadromo and Banuve Tabakaucoro, as well as Venice Traill, who shared insights from her participation in the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP).

During the discussions, Desbans highlighted the importance of supporting athletes beyond competition and recognised the commitment demonstrated by Fiji's scholarship holders as they balance sporting ambitions, education and personal development. She also acknowledged the positive role athletes such as Heleina Young are playing in mentoring and inspiring the next generation, noting the importance of creating pathways that allow athletes to grow both within and beyond sport.

“FASANOC has been a real leader within the Pacific sports movement, not only through sporting success, but through the leadership it continues to provide across the region. It was inspiring to see current Olympians, future Olympians and sport leaders all sharing ideas and experiences in the same room.”

The event was attended by members of the FASANOC Board, ONOC President Baklai Temengil, IOC Member Dr Robin Mitchell, National Federation representatives, athletes and members of the wider sporting community.

FASANOC President Cathy Wong welcomed the opportunity to host the visit and thanked the IOC for its continued support of athletes and National Olympic Committees throughout Oceania.

“Visits such as this provide a valuable opportunity for our athletes, coaches and sporting leaders to engage directly with the Olympic Movement, share their perspectives and learn from one another. We are grateful to Sheila for her visit, her insights, and her continued commitment to supporting athletes and sport development across Fiji and the Pacific.”

The visit reflects the ongoing commitment of both the IOC and FASANOC to ensuring athletes remain at the centre of sport development and decision-making while continuing to strengthen pathways, opportunities and support systems for future generations of Pacific athletes.