FIT Oceania Commission Lead, Rhonda Tohovaka Togipau appointed to the OSFO Executive Board

FIT Chief Operations Officer, Chris Simon and Chair, Peter Topp, caught up with Rhonda whilst at the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup in Redcliffe, Queensland:

“I am grateful for this significant opportunity to be appointed to the Organisation of Sports Federation Oceania (OSFO) Executive board with the support of the FIT Executive team. I've been part of the touch family for over 20 years, and I've had the privilege of making some amazing connections at international and local touch events, competing at my first Touch World Cup in 1995, in the Open Women’s division, winning a bronze medal for Niue Touch and other World Cup events over the years, “ said Rhonda

Rhonda leads FIT’s member relations across the Pacific-Oceania region, liaising with existing and potential members as they continue their journey with Touch. She also supports our governance work, leading on Member Protection in particular.

“I'm passionate about governance, Touch and serving our communities by navigating pathways for others to lead and tautoko (support) each other with a lens on sustaining the game of touch across the Pacific and engaging with our phenomenal wāhine of all ages to continue to compete at local and international events.  Influencing a united culture from which we can all continue to sustain, develop and grow the game of Touch. Fa'afetai lava to my wonderful aiga and especially Iona and Tana, for your alofa and support,” said Rhonda.

Rhonda has a lot of people to thank for her successful 20 years in the sport, and wanted to acknowledge a few of them directly:

“I'd like to acknowledge Peter Walters from Galaxy Touch, the previous FIT Secretary General, Bill Ker and the FIT Chair Board Executive, Peter Topp. Fakaaue lahi for their mentoring and tautoko (support) over the years and particularly when I was appointed to these key roles including the FIT, Women's Commission, Technical advisor for Oceania events and currently as the FIT, Oceania Member Relations Commission Lead.I'm extremely excited to join the OSFO Executive Board, to be part of this dynamic team and to establish new connections, working collaboratively to achieve strategic goals and to support our member nations.”

Commenting on her appointment and value to FIT Chief Operations Officer, Chris Simon said:

“On behalf of FIT, I’d like to thank Rhonda for her continued efforts across our sport and congratulate her on the latest appointment. I have no doubt she will represent Touch with pride and to an extremely high level as we seek to continue to grow the sport. There is so much opportunity for Touch to provide a wide array of benefits to communities across the Oceania region and I know Rhonda will do everything she can to ensure this happens to the best possible level it can.”