BY JOY OFASIA
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) International Sports program paid a half-day visit to the Charles Woodford Stadium in Tulagi, Central Islands Province, to engage with the local community.
The half-day visit to Charles Woodford Stadium not only gave children a chance to play and learn but also strengthened community bonds and inspired young people to embrace sports. During their visit, the ADF sports team played games with children and later handed over sports equipment to them. The event brought smiles and excitement to many young participants.
Speaking to the RAW SPORTS, Central Islands Sports Coordinator Dudley Kunu expressed his gratitude to the Australian Defence Force for their visit. “The children are very happy, and this visitation will encourage them to focus more on sports,” he said.
He also thanked the Australian High Commission for organizing the program, noting that it strengthened ties between Australia and the Solomon Islands. “This is the first program of its kind here for our children in the Central Province,” Mr. Kunu added. He further acknowledged the Central Province administration for their support in making the event a success.
Captain Kizzanne Mulder of the Australian Defence Force Women’s Futsal Team said the visit was a unique experience. “It has been a great experience to come out and have a good time with the children here in Central Province,” she said. “We hope to see the children engage more in sports.”
Ben Tambu, a community representative working for the Central Islands Government, said the visit had a positive social impact. “This kind of activity brings the community together and we hope it continues in other areas,” he said.
The visit is part of a larger program that ran from 24th to 28th November 2025, concluding with a women’s exhibition futsal match at Friendship Hall. In addition to community engagement, the ADF sports team has been providing coaching accreditation in rugby union and football, as well as sports medicine training. The training focused on first aid and injury management in partnership with the local St John Ambulance Service in Honiara.
