BY TONY IROGA
Coaching training programmes are underway at the Friendship Hall, starting from Monday this week and ending tomorrow.
The training in partnership with NSC and SINU is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen coaching capacity and sports development in the country.
The coaching training programme was approved and is supported by the Oceania Sport Education program (OSEP).
According to NSC the coaching programme is split into two parts, the first two is for the community coaching and official certificate course, followed by the sports in communities’ administration (SIC) certificate course for Monday to Friday.
The week-long program continues through Friday, 24 April 2026, with participants expected to undergo further training under the Sports in Communities Administration (SIC) Certificate course, which aims to strengthen grassroots sports administration and development across Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the opening, SINU Manager of Business Investment and Commercial Services, and Acting Head of Campus Life and Welfare Division programs, Samson Bisafo, welcomed participants and highlighted the significance of the training in strengthening sports development across communities.
“This marks a key step in strengthening our capacity to support sports development in our communities,” said Bisafo.
He emphasised that equipping coaches and officials with the right knowledge, skills, and values will not only improve the quality of sport but also contribute to building healthy, vibrant, and inclusive communities across the country.
He noted that participants’ involvement reflects a shared commitment to develop stronger pathways for athletes, coaches, and sports administrators throughout the country.
“Participants were encouraged to actively engage, share experiences, and collaborate throughout the training,” he said.
He said the value of the program lies not only in the content delivered but also in the exchange of ideas among participants.
Among the participants is Cherry Moe’agoha Barosi, Head Coach of Diesel Senior Women’s Rugby Club who expressed her enthusiasm for the training and desire to improve her coaching capacity.
Barosi said the training will help her create pathways for her players and strengthen development within her club.
She also acknowledged OSEP for the opportunity and thanks the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) for selecting her to participate.
Another participant, Patricia Suiau, SINU Student Learning Services Coordinator, described the training as a valuable opportunity to pursue her passion for sport and coaching.
“I have always been passionate about sport and aspire to become a professional coach. I want to use what I learn here to support and inspire young people, especially students at SINU,” said Suiau.
Suiau highlighted the importance of integrating sports development within academic environments and expressed hope that the training will help build her confidence and skills to contribute meaningfully to student engagement.
She also acknowledged the collaboration between OSEP, SINU, and NSC, and calls for more similar initiatives to support youth development across the country.
Oceania Sport Education Programme (OSEP) Master Educator and NSC Education Manager, Atueta Balekana, also conveyed his appreciation for the National Sports Council’s (NSC) ongoing support for the successful delivery of the course and allowing it to be held at the Friendship Hall.
He acknowledges SINU for its collaboration and support and thanks OSEP for allowing NSC to host the two courses for this week.
Balekana also expressed appreciation to all 23 participants for their commitment in undertaking the training, and extends his gratitude to all NSC staff for facilitating the program.
Photo: Supplied
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