Rapilla becomes IOC member

Rapilla standing next to the IOC President, Thomas Bach and other members of the IOC after the session last week.PHOTO: IOC Media.

A significant milestone for PNG sport has occurred with the appointment of Secretary General of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee, Mrs. Auvita Rapilla as a Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

She is among eight new members elected at the 129^th IOC session that was held on August 4, a day before the

opening ceremony of the Rio Games. The other members are Nita Ambani (IND); Sari Essayah (FIN); Ivo Ferriani (ITA); Luis Moreno (COL); Anant Singh (RSA); Tricia Smith (CAN); and Karl Stoss (AUT).

The IOC said the newly-elected Members represent a cross-section of expertise covering sport, culture, medicine, sociology, business, law and management. Gender equality is guaranteed with four women and four men on the list.

Members of the IOC represent and promote the interests of the IOC and of the Olympic Movement in their countries and in the organizations of the Olympic Movement in which they serve. They are also responsible for voting on the key decisions related to the Olympics including which cities win the right to host the Olympic Games and which sports are on the program for the Olympics.

The election took place on the last day of the IOC session which was held in Rio de Janeiro in lead-up to the Rio Olympics. Earlier in the session, the IOC Members had approved the five new sports to be part of the program of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Rapilla said her inclusion as one of the 115 IOC Members reflects the hard work of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee and its members, stakeholders and partners.

“The experience is overwhelming and truly humbling. I would not have come this far without the support of all those involved with sport in PNG and the Oceania whom I have benefited from working with … for this I am truly grateful.” Rapilla said.

She said the aim of PNGOC’s new strategic direction is to be the best performing National Olympic Committee in the Pacific region and to be appointed as an IOC Member is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of the organization as a whole.

Rapilla’s appointment to the IOC is the first for Papua New Guinea since it gained Olympic status in 1974.

The appointment is a highlight of Rapilla’s career who also sits on various regional and international committees and boards. These include being an Executive Committee Member of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC), Board Member of the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and Board Member of the 2015 Pacific Games Authority among others.

Apart from her role as a leader in sports administration, Rapilla is also actively involved in community awareness involving women’s issues, health and environment.

Rapilla holds a Masters in Sport Organization Management (MEMOS) and a Degree in Public Administration.

Her main love however, is sport and she has served it undeterred since joining the PNG Olympic Committee in 1994. Rapilla comes from a family that has a history in sport which also includes her husband, Billy, who is a former captain and coach of the Papua New Guinea national rugby union team.

One man who has watched her grow in the industry is current president of PNGOC, Sir John Dawanincura. He said Rapilla’s achievements in her various roles is a reflection of her dedication and commitment to her work.

Rapilla acknowledged and thanked Sir John for his guidance and mentorship over the years.

Rapilla will bring with her to the IOC 22 years of experience in the PNG Olympic Committee through her involvement with various partners and stakeholders regionally and internationally.

“My passion for sport and commitment to the work of the Olympic movement and promoting its ideals continues to grow with dedication and resolve. I believe that my experiences, knowledge and qualifications will allow me to distinctively and constructively contribute to the movement at this level,” Rapilla said in her application for the IOC position.

Messages of congratulations have flowed in for Rapilla from around the Oceania region and from others involved in the global sports movement.

Source: PNG Olympic Committee