The Western Solomon Surfing Association (WSSA) has successfully hosted an end-of-year Mini Junior Surfing Competition last week for both boys and girls under the age of 16.
The two day event had attracted a total of 40 junior surfers, comprising 20 boys and 20 girls from Titiana Village and Paelonge Village, who registered to compete in the friendly but competitive surf meet.
Speaking to Star Sports, WSSA President Jeremy Baia said the competition marked the association’s final program for the year for the Under-16 category, following months of training and development activities.
Mr Baia said participation was encouraging despite unfavorable weather conditions, which forced organizers to postpone and continue the competition on the following day.
“We had good participation from the young surfers, but due to rough weather we were unable to complete the competition as planned, so it was carried over to the next day,” he said.
He explained that the competition was open to all participants who took part in WSSA’s surfing training programs earlier in the year, including last year’s Women Make Waves program conducted in Gizo communities.
“This competition is for everyone who has been part of our surfing development programs. After the event, prize presentations will be handed over to the winning young and talented surfers,” Mr Baia said.
He added that WSSA remains committed to developing surfing at the grassroots level and nurturing young talents in Western Province through regular training and competitions.
In Gizo and across Western Province, Women Make Waves is helping transform how sport can contribute to empowering women socially and culturally, while promoting gender equality and healthier communities.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
