THE Voices of the Athletes, an initiative engaging athlete ambassadors to advocate for anti-doping in sports, HIV awareness and prevention, and the rights and responsibilities of athletes, will become a more common sight in sporting events next year.
The team was at the FIH (International Hockey Federation) World League Round 1 and Oceania Pacific Cup competition in Suva throughout the week.
Team co-ordinator Natanya Potoi-Ulia said this was the first time they had advocated their message at a hockey tournament and were satisfied with the response they got.
She said it was important for athletes, no matter of which sport, to be fully aware about doping control, HIV awareness and prevention, and their rights and responsibilities.
"The Voices of the Athletes are working in partnership with the Oceania National Olympic Committee, Stop HIV Champions and the Oceania Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) to raise awareness on anti-doping and HIV and AIDS," Potoi-Ulia said.
"We are working with hockey for the first time but we have visited other sports and from next year, we hope to be involved with all sport and be present at all sporting events," she said.