"Our continent is spread over a large expanse of water, composed of big countries, but also tiny nations. In recent years, many of our countries had to face major problems, such as cyclones, fires, drought. Some of the Islands may disappear from the surface of Earth because of the rising oceans. In many situations, our judo community has been affected. We had to find solutions to make sure that our judoka can keep practising and enjoying the sport.
Right now we are working on ensuring that everyone can get a permanent dojo and through a development grant programme, we are working on delivering coaching and education activities.
We have major events also looming over the horizon. The Pacific Mini Games will be held in Koror, Palau from 29th June to 9th July 2025. We are very proud of the work done by Jennifer Anson to organise the judo event; an American-Palaun judoka and Olympian. This is a very important event for our small states and for all our athletes. It's great for them to be part of a multi-sport event and it won't be the last in the years to come.
In November this year, we will have the Oceania Open on the Gold Coast. Starting next year and for the next two editions, the event will be held in the 2032 Olympic venue, where the Brisbane Olympics will take place.
We also have the Glasgow Commonwealth Games next year, where many Oceanian countries will participate.
Here in Santiago we have our fourth joined continental championships with Pan-America. It's really a success. It helps us to continue supporting all our volunteers who work tirelessly to develop the sport and to grow judo from the club level to the top level. Working together with Pan-America is important as it helps us not to duplicate efforts and to see that the right means are at the right place. This is the power of unity. When someone has a good, idea we can implement it together.
I believe that what Oceania has to bring is that we have a talented new generation of judoka. Through the experience they are gaining everyday, we will diversify the power of judo and grow friendship throughout the world.
I believe that the PJC and OJU face the same kind of challenges. Together we are stronger and we can grow judo in countries that don't have the history of the big judo nations.
Through the next Olympic cycle, towards Los Angeles, we will learn a lot for Brisbane 2032. I think that it is obvious that event presentation and entertainment plays a major role. Through this event in Chile and all the others that are coming, it gives us an opportunity to reach new heights. The Sydney Olympics were not that long ago. On that occasion, Maria Pekli won a bronze medal for Austrialia. Judo in Sydney was exceptional! We know we can do it again and we will do it again. That's the exciting part. We build our talents now. Through this partnership with the PJC, we are building the future."
Building the future, that's what the weekend of competition in Santiago is all about. Sport presentation, level and media attention are growing, thanks to the hard work of everyone. It is a fact that the judo family will often gather together in Pan-America and Oceania in the years to come.