North Malaitan appointed as Athletic Solomons new development officer

A North Malaita person has been recruited as the Athletic Solomons new development officer to spearhead the development of athletics in Solomon Islands over the next two years.

He is Mr Martin Rara who hails from Malu'u in North Malaita. Mr Rara replaces Casper Pule the former development officer whose contract lapsed late last year.

He is a teacher by profession and was once an 800 meter and 1500 meter runner. He officially took office yesterday. He will be looking after the management of the Athletic Solomons office.

Mr Rara has indicated to the Solomon Star daily yesterday that his first task would be developing youths especially those in the schools. He also stated that he would be looking at assisting school teachers around the country in promoting athletics. He further added that he would be reaching out into the communities to scout for potential athletes.

Mr Rara’s involvement in athletics began in 2001 when he was the athletic coach for Arnon Atomea Community High School in Malu'u. In 2004 he attended the middle and long distance training camp in Adelaide, Australia. In 2005, he was appointed the head coach to the Melanesian athletes in Lae, which they won 13 medals, seven silvers and six bronze. He also coached the athletes to the Mini Games in Palau where they won two gold, six silver and three bronze. Recently he coached Solomon Islands athletes to the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne from 15-21st March 2006, which they break the national record of 41.67 seconds in the 4x100 relay. He also attended further athletics related professional training in Fiji last year. With these experiences Rara hoped to further develop the sport left by his predecessor.

Source: Solomon Star