The Oceania Judo Union (OJU) Executive Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of ten Commission Directors, following an open Expression of Interest process conducted earlier this year. These new directors bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their respective commissions and will play a vital role in shaping the future of judo across the Oceania region.
The OJU Commissions are designed to provide targeted leadership, expertise, and support across key areas of the sport. The newly appointed Commission Directors will work closely with the OJU Executive Committee, Member National Federations, and the International Judo Federation to drive development and strategic progress across Oceania.
Commission Director Appointments:
| Commission | Commission Director | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Kata | Bill Vincent | Lead the technical development, education, and promotion of kata across Oceania. |
| Sports | Trindade de Abreu Abédias | Guide competition planning, athlete support, and event delivery to IJF standards. |
| Gender Equity | Kiki Velloza | Drive strategies to improve gender balance and opportunities for women in judo. |
| Development | Alex Vallentine | Build participation pathways and capacity in emerging judo nations. |
| Education | Nick Papadimitropoulos | Oversee learning and training opportunities for coaches, referees, and officials. |
| Veterans | Kevin Murphy | Support the growth of veterans judo in Oceania and enhance competitive opportunities. |
| Communication | Jacob Read | Lead OJU’s communications, digital engagement, and public relations strategy. |
| Military & Police | Paul Nelson | Promote and develop judo within military and law enforcement communities. |
| Medical | Dr John Azoury | Provide expert guidance on athlete safety, health policy, and medical protocols. |
| Referee | Lubo Petr | Lead officiating standards and referee development programs across Oceania. |
The OJU Executive Committee warmly welcomes all ten directors into their new roles and looks forward to working collaboratively with them to support our athletes, coaches, referees, and Member Federations.
This marks an important step forward for the governance and operational capacity of the Oceania Judo Union, and we thank all those who expressed interest in supporting the continued development of judo in our region.