Australia supports North Malaita School and Community Sports Development Initiative

The To’abaita Authority for Research and Development (TARD) student volunteer group is pleased to accept funding under the Pacific Sports Development, Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) grants 2008-2009, towards the North Malaita School and Community Sports Development Initiative.

This sports development initiative is aimed at promoting physical activity in primary and secondary schools as well as engaging rural North Malaita youth and school leavers in sports. Total funding approved is around SB$53,000 (AUD8,886).

The North Malaita School and Community Sports Development Initiative comprise five different but inter-related components. It attempts to equip schools with basic sports equipments; support organisation of the free North Malaita Christmas Games in 2008 and 2009; facilitate a 3 weeks sports coaching workshop in partnership with the Mahitahi Organisation in New Zealand; support North Malaita School sports carnival for 2009; and encourage continuity of the sports league in North Malaita for 2009.

TARD is one of three applicants from Solomon Islands to be granted funding approval under the ASOP Grants 2008-2009.

The Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) focuses on increasing community participation in sport and physical activity. The program is also designed to offer an effective vehicle for addressing broader community issues such as health promotion, leadership and social cohesion through sport and physical activity. Aim of the Pacific Sport Development Grants (SDG) is to provide funding assistance to eligible small-medium size community sport development projects around the Pacific region.

TARD is thankful to the Australian Government, on behalf of the people of North Malaita, for committing such substantial assistance that targets rural youth and school children.