Oceania Rugby honours Pasifika woman on IWD [1]
Monday, March 8, 2021 - 16:01
On International Women's Day today, Oceania Rugby is celebrating the milestones for Pacific women in rugby, in particular the achievements of its first women's director, Cathy Wong, who has been recognised as a trailblazer for not only women in rugby, but women in all aspects of the sporting industry.
The Oceania Rugby Board member, was awarded the Fiji Commemorative 50th Year of Independence Award last year. She has had an impressive career both on and off the field.
It was almost three decades ago that Wong started working as a physiotherapist for Fiji Rugby Union, and has attended two Rugby World Cups with the Flying Fijians.
Wong went on to be a medical officer and consultant with many other sports in Fiji through her work with Fiji Association of Sport & National Olympic Committee, attending a number of Pacific Games and Pacific Mini Games over the years.
Wong’s vision for the game led to her being appointed as the first Women’s Director for Oceania Rugby in 2016, Fiji’s Chief de Mission during the Rio2016 Olympic Games and the first Pasifika woman appointed to the World Rugby Council in 2018.
“When I first joined Fiji Rugby 28 years ago, I had no idea it could lead to working across so many different fields. I am now passionate about helping other women rise up and ensuring they’re granted the same opportunities as males”, said Wong.
Thousands of females are involved in rugby across the Oceania region. Wong has helped educate women about the opportunities rugby and sport can offer both professionally and personally.
Inspiration
Jennifer Khalik a senior Physiotherapist at Fiji Rugby Union was also the first Pasifika female appointed as a World Rugby Medical Course Director in 2019 and notes Wong as one of her inspirations to work in Rugby.
“Her work and achievements have not only inspired but have empowered me to step out of my comfort zone, broaden my horizon and strive to be better”, Khalik said.
“Cathy is a wonderful person and a great leader who is setting an amazing example and leading the way so that women such as myself can follow. I am fortunate to have someone of her capacity guiding and encouraging me as a role model, mentor and friend”, she said.
Wong is also a part of the Suva Private Hospital Clinical Governance Committee, Oceania National Olympic Committee, Medical Commission, Fiji National Sports Commission, Board Member FASANOC, Vice President Fiji Women’s Fund Steering Committee, World Rugby Council, including World Rugby Regionally Committee and World Rugby Governance Review Committee.
Oceania Rugby is one of six regional associations of World Rugby, responsible for representing the interests of its 16 Members.
Oceania Rugby works closely with Member Unions on the development and reach of Rugby in the region to promote the growth of Rugby throughout Oceania. Central to this is a series of tournaments and development programs run and coordinated by Oceania Rugby. Oceania Rugby’s sport for development programs contribute to achieving gender equality, reducing inequality, and ending violence against women and children, and are built around rugby values: respect, integrity, solidarity, discipline and passion.