CISNOC Media Officer Gains Global Insight at ANOC Digital Communications Seminar in ItalyVARESE.
Italy — Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) Media and Communications Officer Christopher L.K. Browne has returned from the Association of National Olympic Committees’ (ANOC) second Digital Communications Seminar, held in Varese, Italy, from 8 to 10 September 2026.The seminar, themed “Road to Dakar: Communicate. Engage. Inspire,” brought together media and communications officers from National Olympic Committees worldwide.
Browne represented CISNOC at the gathering, which focused on preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games as well as broader communications strategy for Los Angeles Olympics 2028 and other major multi-sport events, including the Commonwealth Games, Pacific Games, Asian Games and European Games.Dakar 2026, scheduled from 31 October to 13 November 2026, will be the first Olympic sporting event held on the African continent. The seminar used that historic milestone as a central reference point for discussions on digital engagement, audience growth and the practical challenges facing NOCs.Browne described the programme as enlightening. Sessions included more effective use of artificial intelligence, team breakout exercises, and presentations from representatives of sports organisations.
Participants also examined common difficulties: differing media restrictions from Games to Games, broadcasting rights, sustaining public interest after major events, and making better use of social media platforms despite those constraints.“It is not every day that one has the opportunity to work with people from every corner of the world,” Browne said. He added that the strongest aspect of the seminar was the professional network formed among colleagues who share the same commitment to the Olympic Movement. “I thought it would be difficult to get to know one another, but we all instantly connected. It felt as though we had known each other for years.”He expressed the intention to apply the knowledge gained in Varese to strengthen the media presence of Cook Islands sport both domestically and internationally and inform the National Federations of the limitations that comes along with anything regarding social media.
This is also part of CISNOC aim to develope and upskill our staff. Browne conveyed formal thanks to CISNOC President Luisa Peters, the Board, and Secretary General Geoffrey Halston for the opportunity to attend. He also acknowledged ANOC for his selection, AIS, ETC for hosting the seminar at its high-performance centre, and partners including PhotoShelter, EIS, the International Olympic Committee and fellow National Olympic Committees.“Every conversation, idea, challenge and expression of passion demonstrated that although we represent different countries, we share the same goal and are united under the Olympic Movement,” he said.Meitaki ranuinui.Christopher L.K. BrowneMedia and Communications, CISNOC
