This month, we received the sad news that Mike Kohn of Guam passed away after Super Typhon Bavi. Michael Kohn was a graduate of MEMOS XX in English with his project titled, “Strategic Dispersion of the Olympic Funds to Regional Sports Federations: An Organizational Justice Perspective”. He served as the Personal Assistant to the Secretary General at Oceania National Olympic Committees based on Guam.

From the Oceania National Olympic Committees:

In MEMORIAN
Michael “Mike” Kohn

The Oceania National Olympic Committees family is deeply saddened by the passing of Mike Kohn, Executive Assistant to the Secretary General and Team Leader of ONOC’s continental funding programme.

Mike joined ONOC in August, 2013 and, over twelve years of devoted service, became a trusted and deeply respected member of our Olympic family. His dedication to the athletes and National Olympic Committees of the Pacific touched every corner of our region. Whether supporting Olympic Solidarity programmes, coordinating regional activities, assisting with General Assemblies and Games operations, or helping our NOCs access opportunities and resources, Mike approached every responsibility with quiet dedication and a genuine desire to serve others.

Those who knew Mike experienced firsthand his kindness, humility, strong work ethic, and willingness to go above and beyond whenever assistance was needed. He took great pride in working with athletes and in helping the National Olympic Committees of Oceania succeed. His warmth, humility and service embodied the Olympic spirit, and his professionalism, integrity and positive spirit earned him the respect and friendship of colleagues throughout our region and across the wider Olympic Movement.

Beyond his work, Mike was a devoted family man and a respected mentor within the sporting community, known for his quiet way of making people feel seen, welcomed and valued. His legacy will live on through the friendships he built, the National Olympic Committees and athletes he supported, and the lasting contribution he made to sport in Oceania.

ONOC extends its heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family, friends and colleagues, and joins the Oceania Olympic family in honouring his memory. We ask that the privacy of Mike’s family be respected at this time.

On behalf of Mike’s family and all of us at ONOC, thank you for the many messages of sympathy, prayers, and support that have been received from across our Olympic family. Your kindness and compassion have been a tremendous source of comfort during this incredibly difficult time.