THE Australian Government has gifted bibs, hockey sticks and balls for both turf and beach hockey to support the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation’s ‘Hookin4Health’ program.
Second Secretary at the Australian High Commission, Samuel Cox handed over the sports equipment to the Hookin4Health Coordinator Joachim Rade in a ceremony at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) on Friday.
The Australian Government launched the Team Up program in Solomon Islands in November 2023 to support six sport-for-development partnerships designed to include more girls, women, and people with disability.
The ‘Hookin4Health’ program is part of this Team Up program and is delivered as partnership between Oceania Hockey, the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation, and the Australian Government. The program has been run in schools and communities since March this year.
Hookin4Health Coordinator Joachim Rande said:
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Australian Government, through the Team Up program, for their generous support of hockey in Solomon Islands through the ‘Hookin4Health’ program.
“The equipment we received today will significantly contribute to the growth of hockey from the age of 6 and above; ensuring inclusivity for people with disability, as well as for women, girls, men and boys.
“The hockey equipment provided for both beach and turf will not only prepare our athletes for competition; it will also promote health and wellness within our communities. This development initiative aims to extend beyond Honiara, reaching out to various provinces where young athletes in primary schools will be trained and nurtured.”
He expressed deepest appreciation to the Australian Government for their invaluable support and commitment to enhancing sports and health in Solomon Islands.
Australia’s Acting-High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel said:
“Australia is Solomon Islands’ nambawan partner in sport. Team Up supports more than 35 partnerships in 7 countries throughout the Pacific, running activities in community, school, and sporting settings.
“We’re proud to partner with the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation and Oceania Hockey to spread positive messages through the power of sport. Together, we’re promoting safe, responsible, and inclusive sports participation among children.”
