QUT sports expertise is set to have a ripple effect across Oceania, with the university announcing plans to share sports technology, sports science research and training facilities with Pacific Island nations in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
QUT Director of Sport Emily Rosemond said the initiative had come about after Olympic committees from Oceania nations approached the tertiary sector requesting assistance.
QUT representatives are travelling to Fiji this week for an international Olympics conference where they will discuss how the university can assist. They will also help facilitate a master class on high performance sport for Pacific coaches, administrators and other sports professionals.
Ms Rosemond said QUT was particularly well-placed to share knowledge in sports science, data science, business, and technology-based areas.
“Our involvement over the next eight years is still in the early and developing, but we recognise the needs our Pacific neighbours have in supporting their participation, knowledge, engagement and progression at all levels of sport,” Ms Rosemond said.
“QUT is also known for its sports performance science and we will be looking to share research outcomes with Pacific teams.
“We are also keen to promote the fast-growing field of esports to Pacific Island nations, and create opportunities for involvement in intervarsity competitions and training.”
The Oceania National Olympic Committees’ (ONOC) Brisbane 2032 STEP-UP OCEANIA Conference will be held in Fiji on March 21 and 22.
ONOC is one of five continental associations in the Olympic movement and looks after the interests of 17 member nations in the Oceania Region, including Australia and New Zealand, as well as seven associate members.
QUT will be represented at the conference by Ella Squires, who is a QUT Sport support officer for the university’s elite athletes, and sport scientist Associate Professor Geoffrey Minett from the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences.
“The conference will unite all Oceania Region countries – it’s a big opportunity for everyone to come together and discuss how we can make good on Brisbane 2032’s commitment to have a positive ripple effect on sport across Oceania,” Ms Squires said.
“I will be showcasing how QUT Sport is pioneering virtual sport and esports, and opportunities where we believe we can help other nations with virtual technology and overcoming some of the training and technology barriers they might currently face.”
Associate Professor Geoffrey Minett will help deliver a four-hour master class at the conference for coaches, administrators and other sports professionals to enhance high-performance training and programs in Pacific Island nations.
The QUT School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences is recognised as an international leader in this field, being named the best in Queensland and 12th in the world in the 2023 Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.
“QUT is involved with the Queensland University Alliance supporting the ONOC Home Games Advantage Program, which aims to optimise the performance of Pacific athletes at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games,” Associate Professor Geoffrey Minett said.
“This week’s conference is a great opportunity to interact with Pacific sport and understand how we might work together for mutual benefit.
“QUT is co-leading a master class on applying innovations in high performance sport that explores in-context strategies in collaboration with Pacific experts.
“We see wonderful opportunity in working and learning together with our Pacific colleagues in developing sport – be it targeting grass roots participation, high performance programs, workforce development, and more.”
QUT Media contacts:
- Mechelle McMahon, media@qut.edu.au
- After hours, 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au
