Kia Ora – Bonjour – Iokwe – Kia Orana – Hafa Adai – Talofa – Hello – Bula
This is how FISU Oceania members say hello and welcome across the Pacific region. These warm greetings and recognition of first nations peoples, welcomed delegates and guests to the 8th General Assembly and Strategic Dialogue online events.
Held online over the 1st and 2nd of December and attended by 25 delegates and guests, these important events heralded a new chapter in the history of FISU Oceania.
General Assembly held 1st December
Delegates from 10 (out of 12) member National University Sport Federations (NUSFs) attended the General Assembly. FISU Oceania also welcomed guests from FISU, FISU America and the Asian University Sports Federation who each provided a short address at the start of the meeting.
The General Assembly provided an opportunity to not only report on the past, but to also look towards the future.
President Mr David Schmude thanked FISU Oceania members for their attendance and commitment to the university sport sector despite the challenges being faced on the global stage. Secretary General Ms Donna Spethman highlighted key achievements since the last General Assembly including increased attendance at the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy and increased celebrations across the region for International Day of University Sport.
NUSFs provided individual member updates which showcased how the region has been able to respond and adapt to the ongoing pandemic and continue to offer opportunities to university students.
After the completion of the reports, members were asked to vote on key motions that will shape the future of the Federation. Members voted unanimously to establish the Federation’s legal entity in Australia and to adopt a new constitution. This decision of the members means that FISU Oceania will become FISU Oceania Limited from 1 January 2022.
Final business allowed FISU Oceania to recognise Mr Alifereti Cawanibuka and congratulate him on his retirement from Fiji National University. Mr Cawanibuka will continue as President of Fiji University Sports Federation and continue to work to offer FISU opportunities to Fiji students.
Delegates also took time to remember Mr Ray Preston from the Cook Islands who passed away since the previous General Assembly. The dedication of Mr Preston to university sport was acknowledged along with his time as a previous President of FISU Oceania and as a Life Member of the Federation.
Strategic Dialogue held 2nd December
The FISU Oceania Strategic Dialogue provided an opportunity for all delegates to take part in key discussions relating to the future strategy of their Federation.
This event commenced with FISU Director of Education and Development, Ms Lilia Barieva providing an overview of FISU sporting events and student leadership opportunities available in 2022 and 2023. After this presentation, members were then divided into working group to address two key questions
- What do members feel should be the key focus for FISU Oceania in the coming 2-3 years
- What challenges does FISU Oceania and members face and how can we collectively overcome these challenges
These key discussion points produced constructive collaboration and a shared understanding that whilst FISU Oceania NUSFs have their differences, all face similar challenges and want the same outcome – opportunities for students.
FISU Oceania will now focus on continued liaison with its members as the Federation’s new strategic plan is developed with finalisation of the plan expected early 2022.
For more information contact FISU Oceania via email office@fisuoceania.com
