FISU Oceania held its General Assembly on 19 November 2023 in Geneva Switzerland where members elected a new Executive Committee. In attendance were representatives from Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, New Zealand and Northern Mariana Islands.
Held in conjunction with the General Assembly of FISU, the FISU Oceania General Assembly provided an opportunity to reflect on the previous mandate period whilst looking forward to a positive future for the Federation.
The General Assembly opened with Sunday Prayer spoken by Fiji representative Mr Gabby Qoro and an acknowledgment of traditional owners and leaders of the island nations from within the Pacific.
President elect Mr David Schmude welcomed all to the meeting and reflected on a challenging but positive period since the last General Assembly in 2021. In attendance was the newly elected President of FISU, Mr Leonz Eder who addressed the meeting in one of his first official duties as FISU President. Mr Eder spoke of a positive future with more opportunity for countries to take part in FISU activities, programs and events.
During the proceedings of the meeting, elections were held to determine the FISU Oceania Executive Committee for the next mandate period (from December 2023 – November 2027). The five Executive Committee members elected are:
- Mr David Schmude from Australia – President
- Ms Amy Sasser from the Marshall Islands – Vice President
- Ms Denise Myers from Northern Mariana Islands – Executive Committee Member
- Mr Karl Whalen from New Zealand – Elected Committee Member
- Mr Eric Michalak from New Caledonia – Elected Committee Member
The membership also endorsed Ms Demi Fittler as the student ambassador to the FISU Oceania Executive Committee for the period of 2024-2025.
“We are delighted to have a refreshed Executive Committee which is committed to advancing university sport in our region. I am honored to once again serve as President of FISU Oceania and I look forward to working with the Executive Committee and all our members to achieve our strategic goals and bring more opportunities to tertiary, college and university students in the Pacific”, said President Mr Schmude.
Two two awards were presented to outgoing Executive Committee members Ms Nicola Clayden and Mr Alifereti Cawanibuka. Ms Clayden had served on the FISU Oceania Executive Committee since 2019 and her award was accepted on her behalf by Mr Karl Whalen. Mr Cawanibuka has served on the FISU Oceania Executive Committee since 2014 including a term as Vice President. Mr Cawanibuka’s award was accepted on his behalf by Fiji Secretary General Mr Gabby Qoro.
Other invited guests included AUSF President Mr Liu Lixin, FISU Executive Committee member Ms Nomsa Mahlangu, FISU Director of Development & Healthy Campuses Mr Fernando Parente, FISU Development Manager Mr Tarmo Jaakson, FISU Director of Education & Culture Ms Lilia Baviera and members of staff from the Asian University Sports Federation.