LOCAL coaches and community participants undergoing the Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP) conducted by the National Sports Council (NSC) have received certificates today at the National Stadium Media Hall.
On behalf of NSC, Regional OSEP Educator Mr Morris Maitaki as the guest speaker extend heartfelt congratulations to all participants dedicating their time, energy and passion towards the program.
Mr Maitaki said understanding the needs of the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and countries has been a central function of the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC). It is through initiatives like OSEP that visualizes the embodiment for sport education, not just in the Pacific but across the Olympic world.
“OSEP is not just a program, it is a benchmark of excellence in sport education, and you as participants are the heart of this legacy,” said Maitaki.
“The objectives of OSEP resonate deeply with the growth and development of sport in our region. It seeks to enhance governance and management in sport organizations, elevate coaching expertise to help our athletes qualify on merit for the Olympics, improve athlete and official preparation for major games, and create clear training pathways for coaches, administrators and technical officials.
“Through the OSEP framework, you are not only enhancing your skills but also contributing to the broader goals of your national sports federations and NOCs. As we build the capacity of coaches, volunteers, athletes and officials, we are shaping a healthier and more competitive sporting future for the Pacific region”.
To date, NSC has conducted four OSEP courses, resulting in 69 accredited community coaches and officials across Honiara.
According to Mr Maitaki, this is a tremendous achievement that reflects the growing demand for quality sports education in the region, saying that the OSEP Regional Office has responded to this demand with innovation, scaling up to ensure that the course portfolio remains dynamic and relevant to the unique needs for communities.
“We need to work together to use sport and physical activity to address our high rate of death as a result of non-communicable diseases. Our former Hon Minister of Health said that 6 Solomon Islanders die every day from NCDs. We need to work together to save more lives through physical activity,” said Maitaki.
“To those of you who are serious about pursuing a coaching pathway, I want to encourage you to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Coaching is not just about imparting knowledge and skills, it is about shaping lives, building character and making a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of your communities. You are in a unique position to foster positive change, and your commitment to this pathway will align with NSC’s overarching policy of improving the health of all Solomon Islanders.
“Solomon Islands need leaders like you, leaders who are passionate about sports, committed to excellence and ready to create pathways for the next generation of athletes. As you continue on in this journey, remember that you are not just developing your careers, you are contributing to the growth of a healthier and stronger Solomon Islands.”
The Regional OSEP Educator encourages each of the participants to keep striving for excellence, and remain dedicated to their training and continue to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained within their respective communities.
“Together, we can elevate the standards of sport in our region, and through your efforts, Solomon Islands will continue to shine on both the regional and global stage. Once again, congratulations, and go forward with confidence, purpose and a deep commitment to the future of sports in our nation,” said Maitaki.
Lead Facilitators of the OSEP program are NSC’s Provincial Sports and Recreation Coordinator Zinnia Leamana, Regional OSEP Educator Morris Maitaki and the High Performance Centre’s Jeffery Pasio, also being assisted by the High Performance OSEP Master Educators Atu Balekana, Jimmy Luitolo, Wendy Hale and Philemon Campbell.
