The ONOC Athletes’ Commission has released a message to affirm and encourage its membership amidst these trying times.
“All of us are connected through the Ocean. Now, more than ever, we need to support each other through these difficult times by showing solidarity,” Chairperson of the ONOC Athletes’ Commission, Karo Lelai, said.
“Despite borders, we are all Pacific people and part of the global village,” she mentioned.
“The Olympic Games would not be the Olympic Games if we did not do the right thing and put humanity first,” Lelai explained.
The statement applauds the positive attitude of athletes all over the world and reinforces the togetherness and oneness, the peoples of Oceania are renown for.
“As natural voyagers and warriors, we are resilient, assertive, decisive, creative and agile people, so we encourage you to use your instincts and tap into this attribute to remain active and healthy and to continue to live out the Olympic values in your homes, your villages, your townships, your communities, your cities, and your respective countries,” the Commission detailed in their statement.
“We remain in discussions with ONOC as well as the IOC Athletes’ Commission who are our voice at the highest level, to ensure that the athletes’ view point remains at the heart of the decisions of the Olympic Movement. We will communicate and share relevant updates that come to hand.
“We also encourage you to stay in touch with your respective local Athletes Commissions and also follow the digital platforms of Athlete365 for COVID-19 updates,” the statement said.
“It is now time to put your health and that of your family and community first,” Lelai added.
“We have prevailed through natural disasters and other diseases and we will do so with COVID-19.
“Let’s recalibrate, re-strategise and refocus, eyes on the prize people,”Lelai explained.