WOA hails success of Olympians Associations of Asia meeting

29 | 8 | 2018

The 2nd Olympians Associations of Asia Meeting in Jakarta last week provided a unique and powerful opportunity for Asian NOA leaders to unite, share best practice and work together to help shape the future of the Olympic Movement in their continent.

This was largest meeting of NOA leaders outside of the WOA General Assembly and saw representatives from thirteen National Olympians Associations across Asia joining WOA for two-days of discussions and workshops.  

With Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 firmly on the horizon, this gathering provided the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities NOAs face in helping to shape the development of the Olympic Movement and the role that Olympians can play in partnership with NOCs to support and increase its growth in Asia. 

WOA President Joel Bouzou OLY hailed the success of the meeting. “Having so many Asian NOAs discussing their opportunities and practices together has led to stronger links between NOAs which can only benefit Olympians and society in general”, he said. “We look forward to seeing the results of these discussions in the programmes and events they run going forward.”

Akiko Thomson OLY, triple Olympian and president of the Philippines Olympians Association was among the Olympians taking part in the meetings.

“I am so thankful to have been part of the 2nd Olympians Association of Asia Meeting. Meeting the other participants was informative and fun — learning about their situation, the challenges they face, seeing the best practices of other NOAs, it was encouraging.  These friendships and connections I know will go a long way and I look forward to future collaboration with our neighbours as we look to build on the strength of our NOA.”

The event also saw the announcement of Olympian Jovina Choo OLY as the first ever WOA Development Officer who will assist with developing the effectiveness and influence of NOAs in Asia region. Choo will initially work with NOAs from Malaysia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Philippines. Long-term, WOA hopes to make this position permanent in Asia and expand the programme to all five continents, creating a single focal point for NOAs to draw on for WOA knowledge, experience and assistance.