Baklai Temengil has made history for Palau once again.
The longtime secretary general for the Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC) was elected as the first female president of the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC)on Saturday, during its quadrennial General Assembly held in Tumon.
“I was very humbled in the confidence and trust of the members to allow that opportunity for me as a nominee for ONOC president,” she said.
“There were candidates that are just as passionate, great leaders, and I am humbled for the opportunity to lead this organisation,” she said.
Temengil will replace Robin Mitchell of Fiji, who served as Oceania National Olympic Committee president since 2009.
Also elected at the assembly was Emma Waiwai of Papua New Guinea as vice president.
Guam National Olympic Committee (GNOC) President Ricardo Blas returns as Oceania National Olympic Committee Secretary General, a position he’s held since 2009.
Temengil, a frontline fighter for women’s empowerment and gender equality, was elected ONOC vice president in 2017.
It marked the first time that any woman was elected as vice president of any of the five continental Olympic associations.
The elections underscore ONOC’s commitment to fostering the Olympic movement and supporting its member National Olympic Committees across the Oceania region.
The newly elected members of the ONOC Executive Board are:
President: Baklai Temegil (PLW)
Vice President: Emma Waiwai (PNG)
Secretary General: Ricardo Blas (GUM)
In addition to these key leadership roles, the Assembly also elected the following individuals as Members At Large:
James Tobin (FSM)
Catherine Wong (FIJ)
Maureen Tuimaleali’ifano (SAM)
Marcus Stephen (NRU)
They join Ken Wallace (ONOC Athletes)’ Commission representative, (AUST) and the current IOC Members serving on the ONOC Executive Board – Auvita Rapilla (PNG), Ian Chesterman,(AUS) and Sarah Walker (NZL) — as well as IOC Athletes’ Commission Members Jessica Fox (AUS) and Marcus Daniell (NZL).
Dr Robin Mitchell also remains an Executive Board member by virtue of his role as an IOC member.
The election of this esteemed group of individuals signifies a new chapter for ONOC, bringing together a wealth of experience and dedication to the advancement of sport within the Oceania continent. Their collective expertise will be invaluable in guiding ONOC’s strategic direction and ensuring continued growth and success for its member nations.
ONOC extends its sincere gratitude to all the National Olympic Committees for their thoughtful nominations and active participation in this pivotal process. The collaborative spirit demonstrated throughout the General Assembly reinforces the strength and unity of the Olympic movement in Oceania.
The newly elected Executive Board will now embark on its four-year term, working collaboratively with member NOCs to champion athlete development, promote the Olympic values, and strengthen the sporting landscape across the region.
The official opening of the General Assembly Meeting was conducted Saturday by Lou Leon Guerrero, Governor of Guam.