OTU endorses 2032 development program and strategic plan

The OTU council meeting held on 2 May 2025 endorsed a number of significant initiatives aimed at further development of our athletes and member national associations.

The OTU’s step up 2032 development program aimed at the development of cadet and junior athletes in readiness for the 2032 Olympic games to be held in Brisbane, Australia was approved by the council.

OTU President John Kotsifas and Secretary General Stuart Lee outlined the OTU’s development program aimed at transforming our athletes’ performances on the road to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The development program focuses on the development of cadet and junior athletes over a planned and structured 7-year period of development.

OTU President John Kotsifas said “the OTU council that the development program was aimed at creating a “Home Games Advantage” on the road to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games for Oceania which would result in new level of outcomes, and a new level of performance that had never been seen before”… he went on to say “the OTU would commit significant resources and funding to assist member national associations in the development phase and would provide support funding for athletes and coaches to attend significant international events in order to gain valuable international experience.”

President Kotsifas stated, “we are working closely with a range of partners including the Oceania National Olympic Committee and the Oceania Paralympic Committee to build strong alliances and create key strategic actions which are all aimed at assisting our young and developing athletes achieve medal results between now and 2023. The ultimate aim is to achieve medal results in 2032, and I am very confident we can achieve this objective.”

The council endorsed the allocation of subsidies to assist Oceania cadet athletes who will attend the 2025 Cadet World championships in a few days’ time.

The “Step Up 2032” program focuses on a number of key areas :

• OTU Managed & Driven Program: Ensuring the program is effectively managed and led.
• Athlete Focused & Centered Pathway: Prioritizing the needs and development of athletes.
• Committed Expert Support: Providing expert guidance and resources.
• Developing a Winning Culture: Fostering a positive and competitive environment.
• Legacy Building: Ensuring the Games create lasting benefits for the region.
• Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement: Working collaboratively with various organizations.

President John Kotsifas and Secretary General Stuart Lee will be attending the Oceania National Olympic conference and meetings to be held in Guam between 12 – 16 May 2025 and have scheduled meetings with the Olympic leaders of our members nations to further develop the OTU’s development program.