Basketballs bounced, relay batons flew and laughter echoed across the school grounds at Burns Creek Adventist School in the Solomon Islands as ADF members swapped uniforms for umpire whistles to run a morning of sporting games and activities for two hundred and fifty excited students.
As part of the ADF International Sport’s Program the event brought together students from grades five to eight, teachers, and the sporting community to promote teamwork, healthy lifestyles, and positive relationships. Throughout the day, students enthusiastically participated in various activities, demonstrating sportsmanship, cooperation, and determination.
Head Principal, Partinson Bekala, expressed his gratitude and said the energy on the field was highly infectious.
“We are very thankful to the ADF team for taking the time to be with our students today.”
“Seeing them actively engaged, encouraging one another and enjoying themselves through sport has been wonderful.”
“Learning is everything that we do in school, both inside and outside of the classroom. The values we are trying to instil in our students are often developed through activities like these, where they can put those lessons into practice,” said Mr Bekala.
The impact of the visit extended well beyond a single morning of games. ADF members provided a range of sporting equipment to the school, including footballs, basketballs, cones, nets and bibs, ensuring students have the resources to continue developing their skills, building friendships and staying active long after the program concludes.
Lead hockey umpire coach, Flight Lieutenant Mitch Paterson, who led several of the day’s activities, said engaging with the students has been one of the highlights of the deployment.
“We’re proud to be able to supply sporting equipment that will support the school and develop their sporting program. If today’s activities have inspired even a few students to stay active, work together and enjoy sport, then we’ve achieved something special,” FLTLT Paterson said.
“The students brought so much enthusiasm and energy to every activity. Whether they were competing, encouraging their teammates or simply enjoying themselves, it was impossible not to be inspired by their excitement.
“Days like this remind us that service in the ADF is about people. Having the opportunity to connect with local communities, learn new cultures and see those big smiles on students’ faces is incredibly rewarding.”
The activity highlighted the positive impact of the International Sports Program, which uses sport as a platform to build connections, foster goodwill and support local communities across the region.
While the games may have ended with the final whistle, the relationships formed throughout the day will ensure the benefits of the visit continue to be felt by the Burns Creek Adventist School community for years to come.
