Congratulatory messages and accolades are flowing in for Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) president Robin Mitchell recognising his election as president of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) at the ANOC general assembly in Seoul, Korea on Friday.

Here are some of the messages:

Confirmation

“President Mitchell’s achievement is a confirmation that through hard work and endeavour, we achieve what we aspire and dream to achieve in life regardless of our size, status, and ethnicity.

“This is also true in the sports field as we have witnessed with Tonga winning the Pacific Islands first Olympic medal through Paea Wofgramm’s silver at Atlanta 1996 for boxing, Samoan women’s weightlifting athlete Ele Opeloge’s silver medal at Beijing 2008; and Fiji men’s sevens rugby teams’ Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 gold medals and Fiji women’s rugby team’s bronze medal in Tokyo 2020.” (Takitoa Taumoepeau, secretary-general, Tonga Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC)

Historic moment

“I am absolutely happy for Dr Mitchell and my heartiest congratulations– this is a big honour for Dr Mitchell and Oceania, a very proud day for Oceania. To witness this historic moment in person makes it all the more special for me.” (Marcus Stephen, president, Nauru National Olympic Committee)

Great recognition

“For the region this is fantastic, with the Olympic family acknowledging the leadership and contribution that Oceania can bring to the Olympic Movement at the highest level through Dr Mitchell’s election as president– we are very proud of this achievement.

“Congratulations President Mitchell on your election as ANOC President. Great recognition for your leadership, contribution, and unwavering dedication to the Olympic Movement. We look forward to working with you in this new role.” (Auvita Rapilla, ONOC executive and secretary-general of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC).

Sport leaders

“This is recognition that Oceania has world class sport administrators and sport leaders.” (James Tobin, secretary-general of the FSM National Olympic Committee (FSMNOC)

Proud day

‘This is a historic day for Oceania – a day where we get to see one of us elected to the presidency of ANOC. This is a proud day for the Pacific, and especially for ONOC– president Mitchell has risen to one of the pinnacle positions of the Olympic Movement through this vote of confidence that the NOCs of the world have given him, and we are proud he is part of us.” (Ricardo Blas, secretary general Oceania National Olympic Committees).

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