Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Just Play Regional Officer Michelle Paiti has been appointed as the Chef de Mission (CDM) for the Cook Islands delegation at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, marking another significant milestone in her outstanding contribution to sport and youth development across the Pacific.
For Michelle, the appointment is both a privilege and an opportunity to serve her country on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
“It is a huge honour and an amazing opportunity to be appointed to lead and guide our youth on the world stage,” she said.
The Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee specifically encouraged female candidates to apply for the voluntary leadership role as part of its commitment to strengthening leadership succession and promoting gender balance across major sporting campaigns.
Following a rigorous interview process and a highly competitive field of applicants, Michelle was selected to lead the Cook Islands delegation.
As Chef de Mission, Michelle will oversee all aspects of the team’s preparation and participation at Dakar 2026. Her responsibilities include coordinating the delegation’s planning, representing the Cook Islands throughout the Games, and ensuring the welfare of the country’s delegation of 13 athletes and five officials.
Michelle brings extensive leadership experience to the role, built through many years of service across football and the wider sporting community. As OFC’s Just Play Regional Officer, she has worked closely with schools, communities and sporting organisations to create safe, inclusive and engaging environments, where young people can develop both on and off the field.
Her appointment is further strengthened by her expertise in safeguarding, having served as a Safeguarding Officer during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
Michelle believes these experiences will play an important role in supporting the delegation throughout the Games.
“My leadership experience, together with my safeguarding knowledge and my experience as a Safeguarding Officer during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™, will certainly help guide safeguarding measures while ensuring compliance with anti-doping and team conduct regulations,” she said.
Michelle’s sporting journey spans coaching and management roles at club, national and regional levels. She has coached and managed age-group and women’s national football teams at OFC competitions and the Pacific Games, while more recently leading the Avatiu-Nikao Junior Development Teams through rugby league and rugby union seasons. She also managed the Cook Islands’ inaugural Under-14 National Sevens Team tour, further demonstrating her versatility and commitment to athlete development.
Her appointment reflects not only her wealth of experience but also her passion for empowering young people through sport and creating opportunities for future generations of athletes.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be an historic occasion as the first Olympic event to be held on the African continent, making the experience even more meaningful for Michelle.
“I am excited for the opportunity to be part of the very first Olympic Games to be held on the African continent, and I am looking forward to representing the Cook Islands through this Chef de Mission role,” she said.
Michelle’s appointment is a proud achievement for the Cook Islands sporting community and another example of the leadership being developed across Oceania through sport. Everyone at OFC congratulates Michelle on this well-deserved appointment and wishes her and the Cook Islands delegation every success as they prepare for Dakar 2026.