Norfolk Island Representatives Contribute at Oceania Athletics Congress in Cook Islands

Two key representatives from Athletics Norfolk Island recently travelled to Rarotonga in the Cook

Islands to attend the 2025 Oceania Athletics Association (OAA) Congress, where they played important roles in shaping the direction of athletics across the Pacific region.

Rose Evans, Treasurer and Safeguarding Officer of Athletics Norfolk Island, attended the Congress as the official Norfolk Island delegate. With a long-standing commitment to local athletics, Rose took part in key sessions focused on the governance and future planning of athletics in Oceania, contributing to collaborative conversations on strengthening participation, improving competitions, and developing sustainable structures for growth.

She was joined by Tim Rogers, Secretary of Athletics Norfolk Island, who also serves on the OAA Council and is Chair of the OAA Masters Commission. In these roles, Tim was actively involved in leading meetings, strategic development sessions, and policy discussions - particularly around the growing Masters Athletics movement, safeguarding practices, and strategic frameworks for development across the region.

Held between 19–23 May, the week-long OAA Congress was hosted in Rarotonga, with delegates from more than 20 countries across Oceania attending. The program included a wide range of sessions and activities, from competition policy and planning workshops to strategic development training and governance best-practice seminars. There were also commission-specific meetings and networking opportunities, culminating in the Masters Athletics Competition held at the National Stadium. All congress attendees were encouraged to participate in at least one of the Masters events of 60m sprint, long jump, shot put, 800m walk, 1 mile run.

Both Rose and Tim represented Norfolk Island at the congress with distinction, building relationships with other member federations and returning home with new insights, connections, and inspiration. Their participation ensures Norfolk Island remains an active voice in the wider Oceania athletics community and benefits from the shared expertise and resources that such gatherings provide.

Athletics Norfolk Island President Brentt Jones praised the efforts of the delegates. “We’re incredibly proud of Rose and Tim. Their dedication not only strengthens our local association but also contributes to the larger development of athletics across the Pacific. Their presence at Congress helps keep Norfolk Island athletics connected and forward-thinking.”

The benefits of their attendance will soon be felt locally, as Athletics Norfolk Island begins to implement the ideas and recommendations brought back from the Congress, including fresh initiatives to support athlete development, competition structures, and long-term strategic planning.

With a growing community of youth and Masters athletes on the island, and a passionate team of volunteers and supporters, the future of athletics on Norfolk Island is looking bright.

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