ROBIN Sapong was re-elected as Oceania Athletics president during the Oceania Athletics Association Congress in Nadi, Fiji on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
“I would like to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude and acknowledge the immense blessings and guidance bestowed upon me,” said Sapong who is also the general secretary of Northern Marianas Athletics.
“First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt thanks to God for the strength, wisdom, and opportunities that have led me to be re-elected as Oceania Athletics president,” he added.
“It is through His grace that I have been able to serve the athletics community and contribute to the growth and development of the sport in our region. I am humbled by this re-election and remain committed to carrying out my duties with integrity, fairness, and dedication, keeping in mind the values instilled in me by my faith,” said Sapong who will be Oceania Athletics president for another four-year term.
Sapong also extended his sincere gratitude to his loving family for their unwavering support and understanding throughout his journey. “Their encouragement and belief in me have been the driving force behind my achievements. Their constant presence and unconditional love have provided me with the strength and motivation to overcome challenges and pursue my passion for athletics administration. I am truly blessed to have such an incredible family, and I dedicate this re-election to them, as they have been my pillar of strength,” Sapong said.
“Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude to the federation members who have entrusted me with this responsibility once again. It is an honor to have their support and confidence in my leadership abilities.”
Sapong said he is committed to working tirelessly to advance the interests of athletics in Oceania, promote inclusivity, and create opportunities for regional athletes to excel on the international stage.
“I value the collective effort of the federation members and look forward to collaborating with them to achieve our shared goals and aspirations. Together, we will strive to elevate the standards of athletics in Oceania and foster a vibrant and thriving sports community.”
Sapong also extended his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Northern Marianas Athletics for nominating him for the position of Oceania Athletics president. “Being nominated by such a prestigious organization is a true honor,” he said.
Sapong said he would also “like to express my sincere gratitude and extend my thanks to [World Athletics] President Lord Seb Coe for his support and encouragement throughout my journey as the Oceania Athletics president. President Coe’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in advancing athletics on a global scale, and his guidance has been invaluable to me personally. As the president of World Athletics, [he] has shown unwavering commitment to the development and growth of athletics worldwide. His dedication to promoting fairness, inclusivity, and integrity within the sport has been exemplary. I am truly honored to have his support and am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him in our shared mission to elevate athletics to new heights.”
Sapong added, “I am deeply thankful for his guidance and mentorship, and I remain committed to upholding the values and principles that he has instilled in me as I serve as the Oceania Athletics president.”
He likewise thanked the Oceania Athletics staff for “your hard work, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Your behind-the-scenes efforts and expertise are instrumental in organizing events, providing administrative support, and fostering a positive environment for athletes, coaches, and officials. Your contributions do not go unnoticed, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead and work with such a dedicated team.”
“Along with our partners and stakeholders together, as a collective force, we will strive to elevate Oceania Athletics to new heights, foster a culture of inclusivity and integrity, and create a vibrant and thriving athletics community in our region,” Sapong said.
The Oceania Athletics Association Congress also elected the members of the council who will begin serving a four-year term on Aug. 27, 2023:
Robin Sapong-Eugenio (NMI)
Trevor Spittle (NZL)
Matthew Mahon (AUS)
Cecile Gilroy (PYF)
Peoria Koshiba (PLW)
Albert Miller (FIJ)
Tim Rogers (NFI)
Dame Valerie Adams (NZL)
Robin Sapong delivers his remarks after he was re-elected as Oceania Athletics president during the Oceania Athletics Association Congress in Nadi, Fiji on Wednesday, May 17.
