Project Description
This research project aims to inform the development of online programs designed to educate, train, and develop athletes and coaches in Pacific Island nations. With a rise in digital connectivity across the region and increasing use of digital platforms, devices and applications in a post-pandemic era, athletes and coaches in Pacific Island nations would benefit from new online offerings that facilitate access to cutting-edge high-performance sports services. Creating Pacific-led content in online offerings will ensure that resources are context-specific and culturally appropriate and address the specific needs of athletes and coaches.
To achieve this goal, and with the support of The Olympic Studies Centre, the research project involved a desktop review of programs that already exist in the region and focus groups and interviews with Pacific Island nation’s sports representatives to gather insights, identify areas that can be enhanced, and make recommendations for new online offerings that complement what currently exists. The magnitude and reach of the input data collated and used to generate the report have been coupled with researchers’ existing expertise and track record in high-performance sports and understanding of regional considerations and Pasifika methodologies.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
During focus group discussions and interviews, the project engaged secretary generals, sports education officers, sports development officers, coach development officers, administrative and accounting assistants, managers of Olympic Solidarity, marketing and events, and managers of inclusive sport. Focus groups were held with 12 (of 17) NOCs across Pacific Island nations, including American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu, and interviews were conducted with representatives of OSEP (Oceania Sports Education Program).
Outcomes to Date
The findings reveal cultural nuances and specificities that are considered in recommendations for an online resource hub including new courses on Athlete Mental Health and Wellbeing in Elite Sport, Nutrition for Training and Performance in Elite Sport, and Athlete Career Management, self-paced learning resources, virtual discussion forums, and mobile apps. The resources and capacities required to deliver new online offerings are acknowledged such as the application of co-design principles; consideration of additional needs in relation to digital infrastructure, literacy, and capability; and a focus on accessibility, inclusion, and cultural awareness. Recommendations also consider scalable support for widespread adoption, and a model to evaluate outcomes and impact.
Project Significance
development support. Innovations in online programming, including free online high-performance sports resources, can break down structural and geographical barriers and have the potential to address inconsistencies in the support surrounding an athlete. It also has the potential to strengthen development pathways and empower athletes and coaches to take ownership of their personal development and performance by reinforcing lessons learned during international training camps.
The research project intends to reduce inequality in international sports and inform regional approaches to overcome barriers that prevent athletes and coaches from accessing adequate support. The research is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 10, which aims to “reduce inequalities within and among countries,” and Goal 4, Quality Education, which aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education.”