Canberra, Australia, October 28, 2015 – Five-time Australian Olympian Natalie Cook has been appointed to the World Olympians Association (WOA) Board as a representative of the Oceania Region.

The WOA works to benefit all Olympians at all stages of their lives, with over 100,000 living Olympians throughout the world. They organise events for Olympians and run projects that help local communities.

Cook’s appointment caps a big month for Oceania Volleyball, which included a prestigious international Beyond Sport Award for the Fiji Volleyball Federation.

Fiji was recognised for a beach volleyball program aiming to empower women and reduce health risks through sport. The program was strongly supported by both Oceania Volleyball, Volleyball Australia and the Australian Government.

And Volleyball Australia President, Craig Carracher, was elected to the Australian Olympic Committee Executive.

Cook, the Sydney 2000 beach volleyball gold medallist, said it’s a privilege to be able to work with the World Olympians Association to make a difference.

“It’s an honour to be chosen to represent the Oceania region on the WOA Board. After spending four years on the ground with the Oceania Athletes’ Commission I feel that I can make a difference on a global level to ensure the athletes have the best possible support network available,” Cook said.

“I believe this amazing group of Olympians around the world can make a huge impact on communities local and abroad, running projects based on the Olympic ideals laid down by Pierre de Coubertin.

“I look forward to working with my fellow Olympians and the IOC over the coming years”.