TARD's free North Malaita 2007 Xmas Games successfully completed

The annual North Malaita free christmas games, an initiative by the To'abaita Authority for Research and Development (TARD) student volunteer group, has been completed successfully in Malu'u on December 19 2007.
Australian High Commission Second Secretary, Anthea Blaikie, delivering her speech at Malu'u during the TARD 07 Xmas Games opening ceremony

The free games comprising soccer for men and netball for women is the second of its kind to be coordinated by TARD for rural North Malaita sports clubs after the success of the 2006 free Christmas Games which attracted widespread support from both the leaders and people of North Malaita. Funding for both the 2006 and 2007 free Xmas games was generously provided by the Australian High Commission office in Honiara.
The Green Snails soccer club from Bita'ama who won the 2007 TARD Soccer trophy

According to Australian High Commission's representative, Ms Anthea Blaikie who witnessed the games from December 17-19, Australia is really glad to support such a sports initiative that meets the need of the young people whilst engaging them in something useful that can contribute to the reduction of crimes.

At the close of the free games, the first prize in soccer was won by Snails Yellow from Bita'ama collecting the TARD trophy plus $600 cash. Second prize of $400 was scooped by Columbia United whilst the third place was awarded to Aurafu Blue ($300 cash). In netball, first prize of TARD trophy plus $300 was won by Arao girls from West Baelelea; second ($200) was taken by Dry Kaibia girls at Walo whilst the third place went to Columbia girls.

The Australian High Commission has provided a total funding of $4,500 towards the free games and a planned sports coaching workshop. In 2006, the same office supported TARD with $3,680 for the first ever free Xmas Games in North Malaita.