For the first time in the Oceania Area, athletes at the 2025 Oceania Cup experienced a dedicated space designed exclusively for them. The Athlete Zone, led by the Oceania Athletes’ Commission under the guidance of Dame Valerie Adams, offered a place for athletes to connect, collaborate, and unwind during the 4-day competition in Nuku‘alofa.
The initiative marked a major step forward for athlete engagement in the Pacific. The space was created by athletes, for athletes, reflecting the Commission’s ongoing commitment to supporting wellbeing, leadership, and connection throughout the region.
Dame Valerie Adams (Chair of the Oceania Athletics Athletes’ Commission and the World Athletics Athletes’ Commission) said the inspiration came from observing similar initiatives at global championships.
“World Athletics introduced Athlete Zones in Lima at the U20 Championships and again in Tokyo. Both were tailored to their venues and the athletes involved, and they worked really well. I wanted to do the same here because there is a clear need for a space like this in our region.”
The goal was to provide an environment where athletes could relax and interact outside of the competition setting.
“We wanted the athletes to have a space that was theirs to use, where they felt comfortable and safe. Whether they wanted to chat, reflect, or just take time to themselves before or after their events, it was their place. It began as an athlete-only area, but during quieter times we also welcomed officials, which added to the sense of shared community.”
Throughout the week, the Zone became a popular meeting place for athletes from across Oceania. The space was simple but intentional, designed to encourage creativity, conversation, and cultural exchange.
“We had a values board where athletes could write or draw their goals and what was important to them. There were bracelet-making activities, colouring sheets, conversation cards, and some simple games that helped people connect. Someone brought a guitar, the Tahitian team added their ukulele, and soon the area was full of music and laughter. It really became a place of belonging.”
The Athletes’ Commission viewed the Zone not only as a social space but as a meaningful platform for athlete voice and wellbeing.
“It gave athletes a chance to talk and to talanoa — to share the good things happening in their lives and the challenges they might be facing. It is run by athletes for athletes, which strengthens the role of the Athletes’ Commission and helps the wider Oceania community understand who we are and what we do. Having Annette and the chaplain, Hannah, visit the space was also really well received. There was genuine interest from athletes in topics like governance and wellbeing, which helps us continue to build that support network.”
The response from competitors was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the space as a highlight of their Oceania Cup experience. For some, it was an opportunity to meet peers from other nations; for others, it was simply a moment to rest and reset during a busy schedule.
Dame Valerie said she hopes the Athlete Zone will become a permanent feature at future Oceania events “I would love to see this at every Oceania competition. It clearly fills a need, and it adds something valuable to the overall experience. It reminds everyone that sport is not just about performance, but also about people.”
Regan Kama Oceania Athletics Association Athletes’ Commission Staff Liason spoke on the athelte zone: “The Athlete Zone was a wonderful initiative created by the OAA Athlete Commission to foster athlete led engagement and connection. It was inspiring watching athletes from different countries come together, sharing their culture, talking about competition and life in general. The music and activities created a space where everyone felt seen, heard, supported, and celebrated. We are taking everything we have learned here and building something even more dynamic for Darwin 2026.”
The Athlete Zone’s debut in Tonga represented a new chapter for the Oceania Athletes’ Commission and for the athletes it serves. It highlighted the power of collaboration, the importance of wellbeing, and the value of creating spaces where athletes can simply be themselves.
As the Oceania Athletics calendar looks ahead to Darwin in 2026, the success of this first Athlete Zone has set a clear foundation for the future.