A total of 66 local coaches and officials in Choiseul Province have been accredited as qualified community coaches and officials after completing an intensive training program under the Oceania Sport Education Program (OSEP).
The group comprising both male and female coaches was the first in the province to achieve this qualification.
The training was conducted by the National Sports Council of Solomon Islands (NSCSI) through its Choiseul Provincial Sports and Recreation Development Officer, Brian Koveke.
To honour the participants, official certificate presentation ceremonies were held last week across three locations; Sasamuqa, Vuraqo, and Taro Station.
The participants successfully completed three core OSEP courses; Community Coach and Officials, Safety First, and Community Coach and Official in Action.
However, OSEP is an innovative, Pacific-led sports education program designed to provide training for coaches, administrators, and other sports personnel to enhance their skills and knowledge.
The program has significantly transformed and complemented the sports sector across the Pacific region.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Taro, the guest of honour, Geoffrey Pakipota, Permanent Secretary of the Choiseul Provincial Government (CPG), hailed the initiative as a remarkable achievement that paves the way for sports development in the province.
“I’m excited that this is the first part. This program will continue to roll out to ensure our province has a strong foundation of qualified personnel to nurture our athletes and elevate the standard of sports in our province,” he said.
“CPG policy will continue to support young people by encouraging sports excellence as a means to deter anti-social behaviour in our communities.”
Pakipota also thanked the NSCSI, acknowledging the ongoing commitment and dedication of its sports and recreational development officer in delivering the training to rural communities.
In his address, Koveke applauded the participants, stating, “Today we are not only celebrating your successful completion of this training but also recognizing your commitment to serve, lead, and positively impact our communities through sport.”
He also thanked the NSCSI for its ongoing dedications to advancing sports education and development program.
He then extend his gratitude to the training facilitators, master educator Ms Zinnia Leamana, and co-facilitator Mr Jimmy Liutolo and Morris Maetaki for their excellent delivery of the program.
He emphasized that the knowledge and skills gained from the training will help boost sports development in communities, promote a healthy lifestyle and gives a clear pathway for the young generation.
He challenged the participants to carry the torch of sport with pride, demonstrating that the value of their training extends far beyond a paper certificate.
Meanwhile, the newly accredited coaches are now equipped with knowledge and skills to promote safe and organized sporting activities throughout Choiseul, marking a significant step forward for sports development in the province.
By GEHAZI SEKO
Solomon Star Stringer
In Taro
