The ADF Sport branch delivered internationally recognised sporting accreditation courses in Honiara, Solomon Islands, this month. 

With an extensive history in the Pacific, this iteration delivered coaching accreditation to Honiara locals in rugby union and football (soccer). 

Defence adviser to the south-west Pacific Captain Emma Griffiths, RAN, said it was a great way to grow the strong relationships between the ADF and the Solomon Islands. 

“I can’t express how important sport is to the Solomon Islands and their identity here. You see people of all ages playing sports, whether it’s rugby, football, volleyball – it’s amazing,” Captain Griffiths said. 

Officer in charge of the program Commander Jose Bascunan said it was the first time the ADF Sport branch presented the popular sports medicine trainer package in partnership with a local organisation – St John Ambulance.

“The sports medicine package is centred around two components – first aid, and injury management and first respondent on the field,” Commander Bascunan said.

Captain Griffiths said such partnerships were vital to growing relationships between the ADF and Solomon Islands. 

“The skills that we teach here they can take back and share with their families and friends and their sporting associations back in the provinces, so it actually is bigger than just Honiara – it spreads further across all of the provinces,” Captain Griffiths said. 

The ADF women’s futsal team will wrap up the program, taking on the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. The exhibition game will promote women’s involvement in sport after a week of training and community engagement.

“We also have the opportunity to travel to one of the islands, Tulagi, and undertake a sporting activity with the local community,” Commander Bascunan said. 

The program’s closing ceremony will be held at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport on November 28