In a new initiative, Sport Inclusion Australia (SIA), Oceania Athletics Association, and Solomon Islands Athletics, with support from the Australian Government’s Team Up program, recently delivered the “Included Through Sport – Solomon Islands” program. The program is designed to raise awareness of the power of inclusive sports to transform attitudes, challenge perceptions, and unite communities through Athletics across the next two years.

The key aim of the program includes:  To equip local stakeholders with the skills and resources needed to create opportunities for people with both visible and non-visible disabilities to participate in sports. By focusing on key areas such as gender equality, social inclusion, and accessibility. The initiative sought to empower local communities and sports leaders. This empowerment is intended to foster a safe, accessible, and inclusive sporting environment at all levels, from community engagement to elite competition.

As the program continues to grow, collaborations with Solomon Island Paralympic Committee, Oceania Paralympic Committee, and Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport will occur to support the sustainability for this capacity building program.

Included Through Sport – Solomon Islands visited the Central Province with over 140 children participating in Athletics activities in celebration of World Athletics Kid’s Athletics day in May. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, abilities and communities to participate as one at the event.

A significant outcome of the Included Through Sport – Solomon Islands Program was the participation of 15 para-athletes in the Solomon Island Athletics National Championships. The athletes from the Special Development Centre in Honiara competed in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events. This achievement highlights the Solomon Islands Federation’s commitment to providing opportunities for all athletes on the national stage.

You can listen to and interview with program facilitators from Solomon Islands Athletics Michael Kuali and Reggie Hou. Interview begins at 9:15

G’day Solomons Radio Show

Included Through Sport – Oceania is now live on Facebook and will provide updates on program.

Watch the video here

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