GOLD COAST – On 17 May, FISU Oceania held its General Assembly in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Out of its 11 members, 10 countries were present. The event was held in conjunction with the 2016 Australian University Sport (AUS) National Conference and started with an Executive Committee meeting. Shen Zhen, Vice-Chair of the Development Committee (CDSU), and Laurent Briel, Director of Development and NUSF relations, attended the assembly.
Shen Zhen & Martin DoultonMartin Doulton, President of FISU Oceania, chaired the General Assembly. He believes that the first stage of the Regional Development Programme launched by FISU Oceania in 2016 will give strength and confidence to the continental federation to build a conjoined sporting resource network across the Oceania region. The main objectives of the programme are to ensure a firm place to university sport in the greater community and to increase the FISU brand exposure.
The agenda of the assembly mainly focused on the President’s and Financial reports, on the presentation of the 2016 projects and on statutes modifications. Michael White was appointed acting Secretary General of FISU Oceania, following the resignation of Kelly Blas Lee in December 2015.
On behalf of FISU President Oleg Matytsin, Shen Zhen thanked the participants and offered an official plaque to Martin Doulton for the dedication of FISU Oceania in developing university sport in the region.
Then, participants were invited to attend the 2016 Australian University Sport (AUS) National Conference, which was held in conjunction with the FISU Oceania General Assembly. This conference is the only event of its kind in Australia that unites sport management professionals for an annual discussion of issues that drive the university sport sector.
A wide range of topics will be covered during this 3-day event with workshops and presentations on social sport, clubs development and support, trends in sports digital, dual career management for athletes with a disability, etc. An overview of BUCS ‘Grand Final Day’ and the British University Sport sector in general was presented to learn key lessons and best practice.
(Source: Development Department, FISU Oceania, AUS)