THE Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS) has assured Para-athletes of their recognition in the SINIS High Performance program and the sports community.
Executive Director of SINIS, Aaron Also in a recent press conference told media and Para-athletes that SINIS recognizes Para-athletes and would like to work closely with them and make them feel part of the wider sport community.
“We want to make sure that Para-athletes feel included here.
“We want them to understand that we recognize them like everybody else that comes through the SINIS programs
“We don’t have barriers towards wanting to include them in any of the programs that we operate.
“We recognize them as athletes; they represent the country just the same as everybody else.
“We also recognize the fact that this is a great opportunity for them to show their talents and also to feel part of the bigger community of sport in the country,” he said.
The SINIS director is proud to have the opportunity to work with Para-athletes.
He hoped the involvement of Para-athletes will enable them to be advocates for other people with special needs that want to be part of the Para sport community in the country.
“We know that there is a very passionate movement behind Para sport in the Solomon Islands.
“I’m proud of the work that is being done to make sure that Para sport is on the agenda and there are opportunities for people regardless of disability that you are able to feel part of this program.
“We hope that because of you being a part of this program that you actually advocate for other people in the community that maybe are little bit shy or nervous about wanting to be involved in sport.
“I think that you being here today are going to be a start of opportunities that will attract other people in the community that want to be involved in para sport,” Alsop told the Para-athletes.
Last week the SINIS High Performance Talent Pathways team launched the Para Talent Identification program which marks the start of para-athletes’ involvement in the SINIS High Performance program.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
Newsroom, Honiara
