A spirit of ambition and a message to aim high set the tone at the welcome ceremony for this year’s ADF Sports Branch International Sports Program in Honiara, the Solomon Islands.

This year, ADF Sports delivered volleyball, hockey, netball and tennis programs. 

Members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and the local sporting community participated in coaching, umpiring, first aid training and sports trainer accreditation while developing valuable skills and strengthening relationships.

For the first time, hockey and tennis were included in the program, recognising the significant progress both sports have made in development and governance, alongside netball, the Solomon Islands’ leading women’s sport.

The inclusion of sitting volleyball represented another significant step forward, reinforcing the program’s focus on inclusive participation and disability sport development.

Captain Matthew Mitchell, officer in charge of the international sports program, said sport provides a unique platform to bring people together and foster meaningful connections.

“This program represents the strong partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands, a partnership built on trust and respect,” Captain Mitchell said.

“By working together, sharing expertise and investing in local capability, we’re helping create opportunities for individuals, teams and communities to grow and succeed.

“Through sport, we can connect with people from different backgrounds and continue to deliver benefits long after the final whistle.”

For the Solomon Islands, the significance runs deep. Sport is emerging as a platform for opportunity, development and achievement. As participation continues to increase, so does the demand for skilled coaches, officials and support staff to guide the next generation of athletes.

'Coaches play a key role in influencing our athletes, and we need to change our mindset from participation to competition.'

Chief Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands National Sports Council Alison Burchell said the country needed to embrace a stronger competitive mindset to maximise its sporting potential.

“Coaches play a key role in influencing our athletes, and we need to change our mindset from participation to competition,” Ms Burchell said.

“Together, we need to ensure our athletes are prepared to put the Solomon Islands on the world map through winning medals and getting into finals.

“Strong coaches and officials create strong athletes, and that’s where lasting success begins.”

Programs such as the international sports program help address that need by providing practical training and professional development opportunities. The investment in capability development is expected to play an important role in lifting standards and fostering a more competitive sporting culture.

“We sincerely thank the Australian Defence Force and the Australian High Commission for their continued partnership and support,” Ms Burchell said.

“Programs like this demonstrate the value of working together to develop people, strengthen communities and grow sport across the Solomon Islands.” 

The skills and knowledge gained throughout the program will continue to be shared within communities, helping to shape the next generation of athletes, coaches and officials.

Through shared experiences and lasting connections, the program has further strengthened the partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands, reinforcing a shared commitment to growing together and achieving shared success.