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A five-day training program for sports officials in Solomon Islands is underway at Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) in Honiara until 12^th October.

A partnership between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Rugby Australia, National Rugby League and Volleyball Australia is delivering the program to provide training for match officials and support staff including referee, coaching, sports trainer, first aid and strength and conditioning accreditation.

To date, the ADF has helped more than 2500 sporting officials across the Pacific to gain accreditation in their respective codes, providing increased capacity for the development of grassroots sporting programs within country.

The first day of training in the Solomons was well received by locals, with a group of participants taking up the opportunity to further their skills.

Director ADF International Sport Group Captain Jay Clarke said it was an exciting opportunity for the ADF to help develop and strengthen the skills of sporting officials in country.

Group Captain Clarke noted "The ADF has been joining forces with Australia's peak sporting bodies since December 2018 to deliver diplomacy through sport in the Pacific Islands but this is one of the first times we'll able to finalise accreditation in country.

"It's a fantastic result and further demonstrates Australia's commitment to regional security."

The program includes level 1 and 2 coach and referee accreditation for all three participating sports, with participation from the local Maritime Force, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, sporting officials and local school students.

SINIS Acting Director Philemon Campbell said the collaboration between the Solomons and Australia is particularly important for the Pacific nation's national federations.

Campbell added "the training provided this week will not only enhance the skills for coaches and match officials but also elevate the overall performance of our athletes.

"It's a relationship that strengthens our sports development efforts. Any chance we get to use internationally recognised accreditations like those offered here to better our coaches and referees we should embrace.

"We are looking forward to a productive and inspiring week as we continue to build strong foundations for our coaches and officials."

Australia has a long history with Solomon Islands, forged over decades of partnership in war and peace, brought together through the unifying power of sport.

While the week has been a busy one, with participants switching between targeted classroom and on-field practical learning, the longer-term vision is to further strengthen ties with Australia's neighbours while having the added benefit of stemming a national 'referee crisis' in the Solomons.

The program concludes with a gala day on Saturday 12^th October at Town Ground and SINIS.

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