PRESS RELEASE: Oceania Masters Athletes’ Commission update
The Oceania Masters Athletes’ Commission convened in Rarotonga for its first in-person meeting, held alongside the Oceania Athletics Congress. Until now, the Commission had only met virtually. This landmark gathering provided an invaluable opportunity for members to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and collaborate on shaping the future of masters’ athletics in the region.
The Commission addressed a comprehensive agenda, tackling key topics such as the preparation and organisation of upcoming competitions, the refinement of the strategic plan, and the development of new initiatives aimed at enhancing the promotion of Masters Athletics across Oceania.
With the Oceania Masters Cup fast approaching in Tonga, the Commission remains committed to ensuring that all participants travelling to the event enjoy a rewarding experience. In line with this, a strong emphasis has been placed on athlete recognition. The Commission has officially confirmed the introduction of individual performance medals alongside Age Graded event performances, celebrating personal achievements while maintaining a fair and inclusive competitive framework.
Beyond refining the competition format, the Commission has approved an expansion of the event programme in Tonga to include an out-of-stadia competition. This initiative is designed to diversify the athletic events on offer and encourage greater participation among athletes and the wider community. To further boost engagement, the Commission has committed to promoting the out-of-stadia event as a mass participation initiative in Nuku’alofa, encouraging both local and visiting athletes to take part in this dynamic and accessible competition.
These strategic advancements reflect the Commission’s ongoing dedication to cultivating a positive and engaging atmosphere at the Oceania Masters Cup, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and community spirit across the region.
A significant focus of the Commission’s discussions was the forthcoming Oceania Championships, set to take place in Darwin in May 2026. This eagerly anticipated event is designed to be fully inclusive, embodying the philosophy of “Cradle to Grave,” welcoming participants of all ages and abilities. The Championships aim to celebrate the diversity of athletics, ensuring that athletes at every stage of life can compete, engage, and feel part of the wider Oceania athletics community.
To maximise visibility and participation, the Oceania Athletics Association (OAA) Office will collaborate closely with Athletics Northern Territory to position the Championships as a landmark event in the region. The objective is to highlight athletics as a sport for all, fostering unity and enthusiasm among local communities, aspiring athletes, and seasoned competitors alike.
In defining the Commission’s significance, extensive discussions were held regarding branding strategies to enhance its appeal to Masters Athletes. Particular emphasis was placed on engaging athletes from the Pacific Islands, with outreach efforts designed to extend beyond the region to foster a more inclusive and globally recognised initiative.
The conversation explored ways to develop a strong and recognisable brand identity that resonates with athletes of diverse backgrounds and experience levels. This includes refining messaging, visual branding, and engagement strategies to ensure the Commission is perceived as a valuable resource and vibrant community for Masters Athletes.
Additionally, discussions encompassed outreach initiatives, partnerships, and tailored programmes aimed at attracting more participants. Efforts were made to identify opportunities for collaboration with regional sporting organisations, leveraging existing networks to increase visibility and participation. Consideration was also given to how digital and social media platforms can be optimised to enhance engagement and create seamless connections between athletes and the Commission’s offerings.
Through these branding and engagement strategies, the Commission seeks to establish itself as a central hub for Masters Athletes, offering opportunities for development, competition, and community-building on both a regional and international scale.
The Oceania Masters Athletes’ Commission reviewed a submission aimed at assisting Member Federations in hosting National Masters Championships. This proposal seeks to provide logistical and financial support to Oceania Island Member Federations, enabling them to organise Masters National Championships with sustainable frameworks for regular local competitions. Ultimately, the goal is to promote lifelong participation in athletics, fostering improved public health and stronger community engagement.
Reflecting on the Commission’s progress, Chairperson Tim Rogers (Norfolk Island) remarked, “The Commission has reached its 18-month milestone since its establishment, and I couldn’t be prouder of our achievements so far.
In this short time, we have made substantial improvements to competition and development opportunities for Masters athletes across the region. I was very pleased with the outcomes of today’s meeting, and I look forward to seeing the discussion points actioned across Oceania.”
For more information regarding upcoming competitions in the Oceania Area contact the OAA Office: competitions@oceaniaathletic.com