KOROR, Palau — In a groundbreaking moment for Oceania sport, Palau’s Baklai Temengil has been elected President of the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC), becoming the first woman to hold the role in the organization’s 45-year history.
Temengil’s election was confirmed during the 45th ONOC Annual General Assembly, held Saturday, May 17, in Guam. Her leadership marks a significant milestone not just for Palau, but for the entire Oceania region as ONOC deepens its commitment to inclusive leadership and the advancement of the Olympic movement across its 17 member nations and seven associate members.
“To be elected to ONOC President by members means a lot to me,” said Temengil. “It means that the members are confident and trust that we can lead the organization not alone, but most importantly, together.”
Temengil, a veteran sports administrator and former athlete, emphasized the collective mission of ONOC in developing sports across Oceania. “It’s critical that we work together to achieve our aims based on our mission and strategies agreed and prioritized for the region and for each NOC,” she said.
Her election also reflects Palau’s growing influence in regional sport. The island nation is set to host its second Pacific Mini Games later this year, a testament to its dedication to the development of sports infrastructure and policy.
“For Palau, it means that our regional contributions and responsibilities in sports are recognized and entrusted,” Temengil added. “We have always acted on what is right based on our values and strong moral beliefs.”
Temengil brings two decades of experience in sports administration and has represented Palau in canoe events at the Micronesian and Pacific Games. Her journey from athlete to top-level administrator illustrates her deep-rooted belief that “sport is a catalyst for change, especially in our youths’ lives for good character and citizenship.”
Joining Temengil on the newly elected ONOC Executive Board are:
- Vice President: Emma Waiwai (Papua New Guinea)
Secretary General: Ricardo Blas (Guam)
Members at Large: James Tobin (FSM), Catherine Wong (Fiji), Maureen Tuimaleali’ifano (Samoa), Marcus Stephen (Nauru)
They are joined by Ken Wallace, Athletes’ Commission representative (Australia), and current IOC Members on the ONOC Board — Auvita Rapilla (PNG), Ian Chesterman (AUS), and Sarah Walker (NZL). Also serving are IOC Athletes’ Commission Members Jessica Fox (AUS) and Marcus Daniell (NZL), with Dr. Robin Mitchell remaining on the board as an IOC member.
Temengil’s appointment underscores a broader commitment by ONOC to strengthen collaboration, elevate athlete development, and champion Olympic values throughout Oceania. The newly formed leadership is set to serve a four-year term, guiding ONOC’s strategic direction during a crucial period of regional growth.
The General Assembly was formally opened by the Honorable Lou Leon Guerrero, Governor of Guam, and featured a group photo with outgoing International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, whose leadership was praised for advancing Olympism globally and throughout Oceania.
Founded in 1981, ONOC serves as one of five continental associations recognized by the IOC, dedicated to fostering sport and Olympic values across the diverse island nations of the Pacific.