9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ

I would like to begin by thanking Mr. Garvin Brown for generously supporting my internship opportunity through the Susan Casey Brown Fund for 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ.

My name is Kiara Gilroy, and I am a Political Science and Sociology student at 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ, originally from French Polynesia. As a student-athlete representing both my university and the Tahiti national track team, I am passionate about the intersection of sports, culture, and public policy. My interests focus on Pacific regional development, youth engagement, and the role of sport in shaping identity and diplomacy.

As a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ, I’m incredibly grateful to Mr. Garvin Brown whose support made this internship possible. Working with the Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games Organizing Committee allowed me to gain hands-on experience directly related to my interests and long-term goals. Growing up in Tahiti taught me that sport fosters unity and pride, it is so important to our community. As an athlete competing internationally, I’ve seen the high stakes involved, both personally and communally. Interning with the Games allowed me to contribute to an event that will put Tahiti on the front stage.

The Organizing Committee is responsible for coordinating the Pacific Games while promoting values like inclusion, sustainability, and regional pride. It includes several departments: sport, game services, population services, security and medical services, marketing, administration, technology, etc. Their work encompasses planning sports and cultural programs, managing volunteers, building infrastructure, and ensuring the Games leave a lasting, positive legacy in French Polynesia.

As an intern in the Sport Department, I contributed to several projects. I helped draft the competition schedule for 24 sports and 329 events, coordinating with various federations to refine event timelines. I also contributed to the development of key sports publications like the sports guide and team leaders’ guide. A major project I led was building a master sports population document: compiling the number of participants across athletes, officials, organizing staff, and federation representatives to help other departments coordinate logistics.

My academic background equipped me well for these tasks. Courses on institutional structures helped me understand how events like the Pacific Games are governed. Sociology provided insight into socialization, collective identity, and the cultural impact of sport in the Pacific. I brought a critical and analytical mindset to my work, applying strong organizational and detail-oriented skills, particularly important when managing and cross-checking a lot of documents.

One of the most meaningful moments of my internship was Te Moana Day, a special event we organized for underprivileged families. It aimed to share the spirit of the Pacific Games through sports workshops and traditional games. I helped with logistics and supported coordination across activity stations. Seeing children laugh, participate, and connect with athletes showed me how sport can build bridges and create meaningful experiences beyond competition. It reminded me of the importance of inclusive programming in major events.

Another highlight was attending the Oceania Judo Open, hosted in Tahiti during my internship. I had the chance to witness the inner workings of an international competition. Observing the precision and teamwork required gave me a new appreciation for such events and further strengthened my desire to work at the intersection of sports, culture, and community development.

Of course, I also faced challenges. At one point, I accidentally copied incorrect data into a document that was sent to several international federations. Realizing the mistake, I immediately informed my supervisor, explained the issue, and took full responsibility. She appreciated my transparency and helped me correct the error. It was a humbling experience that taught me the value of accountability, clear communication, and double-checking work, especially when handling sensitive external data. I emerged more careful, resilient, and confident.

This internship reinforced my belief in the power of sport as a tool for unity, inclusion, and regional development, especially in the Pacific, where sport is closely tied to cultural identity. It deepened my interest in working where sport and international cooperation meet, especially to support underrepresented communities. I now feel more certain about the path I want to pursue in both school and career.

Receiving the internship award made this entire experience possible. The support helped cover travel expenses, which meant I could work on-site at the Committee’s headquarters. Being physically present allowed me to build stronger relationships with colleagues and gain deeper insight into the organization’s work. I’m truly thankful for the encouragement this support represented. This experience has left me with new skills, deeper clarity, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Thank you to Mr. Garvin Brown, for the making this experience possible through the Susan Casey Brown Fund for 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ.