One of the most significant events in Fiji’s sporting history will be the arrival in the country of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach on April 30. This
One of the most significant events in Fiji’s sporting history will be the arrival in the country of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach on April 30. This will be his first visit to Fiji.
He is the most powerful sports official in the world and commands considerable influence.
Mr Bach, with eight top delegates from IOC, will attend the 2015 Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) General Assembly at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on May 2.
This is a rare opportunity for Fiji and the Oceania region. And it’s a good chance for delegates to hear first-hand the Olympic Games plans. They will also be able to meet him on a one-on-one basis and talk about their needs.
ONOC president Dr Robin Mitchell said Fiji and Oceania region should be supported fully as they capitalise on his visit.
“Former presidents Juan Antonio Samaranch and Jacques Rogge visited Fiji before. But this is the first time for Bach and we are delighted to have him here,” Dr Mitchell said.
“He is bringing a top level delegation from the IOC and indeed a rare occasion.”
There will be many other associated meetings in the week-long event.
The Oceania sports ministers will also attend the meeting. And Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou will chair the meeting where they will talk on the UNESCO Asia Pacific Consultation ‘Declaration in Berlin.’
Mr Bach is also expected to visit the University of the South Pacific Olympic Study Centre which was launched by Mr Samaranch.
The 10 regional media and Fiji journalists who are likely to attend the 2015 Pacific Games in July will also have a chance to push for more quota for the Oceania region at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
With rugby sevens’ inclusion for the first time at the Rio Olympics, Fiji could push for more funding from IOC funding arm Olympic Solidarity in its quest to win its first Olympic medal.
“This is a chance for Fiji and others to present their case,” Dr Mitchell said.
After the meeting, Mr Bach will travel to Vanuatu to visit the sports facilities damaged by Cyclone Pam.
IOC has donated US$500,000 to help rebuild and is coordinating the relief efforts with the Association of National Olympic Committees. The money will go toward rebuilding sports venues and the headquarters of Vanuatu’s National Olympic Committee.
Mr Bach earlier said; “We want to support the athletes in this region so that they can return to their sporting life as soon as possible, and in such a way, give hope to the whole population.”
From Fiji’s perspective Mr Bach’s visit is likely to build trust and confidence, expand network and open up new opportunities for funding and assistance.
Given our financial constraints, we are still able to punch above our weight in international forums. Our Vodafone Fijian 7s team is an example. It is already beating teams enjoying bigger budgets which it could only dream about.
Feedback: oseab@fijisun.com.fj
Source link : https://fijisun.com.fj/2015/04/19/editorial-ioc-president-thomas-bach-visit-significant-for-fiji-oceania/
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Publish date : 2015-04-18 03:00:00
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