BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The successful completion of the World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC) Level 1 Coaching Course at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS) has been hailed as a major step forward for in the development of basketball in the country and the region.
Speaking during the closing ceremony yesterday, National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) Vice President Morris Maitaki said the course represents a significant investment in the future of the sport.
“As we gather here today to mark the closing of the World Association of Basketball Coaching Course Level 1, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and gratitude.
“On behalf of NOCSI, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you for your dedication and commitment to advancing our understanding of basketball,” Maitaki said.
He stressed that basketball goes beyond competition, highlighting its role in shaping young people and communities.
“Basketball is more than just a game. It is a powerful tool for personal and community development. It fosters teamwork, discipline and resilience,” he said.
Maitaki added that strengthening coaching capacity is key to unlocking the country’s potential in the sport.
“We at NOCSI believe that by investing in the knowledge and skills of our coaches and officials, we are investing in the future of this dynamic sport in our nation,” he said.
He also encourages national federations to make full use of available support.
“Our message to all the federations is to utilise the Olympic Solidarity Programme. The benefits will come forth depending on your sector,” Maitaki said.
NOCSI Board Member Gloria Hong echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the collective effort behind the week-long training.
“Thank you so much for making this one week a success.
“This week is also a reflection of the need to develop our technical support, and for participants to reflect on the importance of what it means to be a coach,” Hong said.
She also acknowledges the support of partners and stakeholders.
“I would like to thank FIBA for the support that it has given to Solomon Islands basketball throughout the year. Although FIBA is not here, we are benefiting from that,” she said.
Hong added that continued collaboration will be key in addressing challenges.
“We do have a lot of challenges, but one step at a time, and if we continue to collaborate, we can address more of them,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lai Puamau, representing FIBA Oceania, highlighted the significance of the course at a regional level.
“For your information, this is the second time a FIBA Level 1 coaching course has been held in this region,” Puamau said.
He said that the certification is increasingly becoming a benchmark for coaching pathways.
“The FIBA Level 1 coaching course has become a standard entry level to some national teams,” he said.
Puamau added that the investment in coaching will strengthen basketball development across the Pacific.
“With your support we hope that there will be a huge improvement in basketball in Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu at FIBA events,” he said.
The week-long course brought together coaches from Solomon Islands and the region, culminating in final assessments conducted at SINIS.
The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation earlier highlighted that the WABC Level 1 Coaching Course is only the second of its kind delivered in the region, with Fiji hosting the first before COVID-19.
The training was made possible through the NOCSI and IOC Technical Coaches Grant, with additional support from the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership, providing local and regional coaches access to internationally recognised certification.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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