Oceania Launches Historic First LA28 Regional Forum Ahead of ONOC AGA Week in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand – The Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) has proudly hosted the inaugural LA28 Oceania Forum, a significant step in preparing our region's athletes and officials for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This landmark event, held in partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Olympic Solidarity, and the LA28 Organising Committee, marks the first of five such forums globally, underscoring Oceania's importance on the Olympic stage.

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This is not simply another meeting on the calendar. It is a working Forum. A practical Forum. And most importantly, an outcomes-driven Forum.

ONOC President Baklai Temengil-Chilton rightly emphasized that this is no mere ceremonial gathering. "This is a working Forum. A practical Forum. And most importantly, an outcomes-driven Forum," she declared. This practical approach is crucial for our National Olympic Committees (NOCs), ensuring they leave with enhanced, athlete-centered Games Plans. These plans will cover everything from operational delivery and leadership to logistics, athlete welfare, and critical Games-time decision-making.

This initiative aligns perfectly with ONOC’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028 and our Fit for Purpose RESET agenda. Our focus remains steadfast on strengthening governance, enhancing operational capabilities, and ensuring long-term Games readiness across our vast and diverse region. The forum builds upon the successful OSEP Chef de Mission Acquaint Series, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement and support for our delegates.

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She highlighted that the central outcome of the Forum is for every NOC to leave with a stronger and more athlete-centred Games Plan covering operational delivery, leadership structures, logistics, accreditation planning, athlete welfare, communication systems and Games-time decision-making.

While international media may focus on the global scale of the Olympics, for Oceania, these forums represent a vital opportunity to bridge geographical distances and foster collaboration. It's about ensuring that athletes from even the smallest island nations have the same level of preparation and support as those from larger countries. This regional focus allows us to address unique challenges and leverage collective strengths, ensuring Oceania shines brightly in Los Angeles and beyond to Brisbane 2032.

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I am very proud to be able to participate in this fleet - this is the largest to date.