THE High–Performance Talent Pathway department of the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS) on Friday 18 February launched their Para Talent Identification program.
The TID program requires Para athletes to go through a well–being session, and a physical testing session where they are tested on their physical attribute.
SINIS Executive Director, Aaron Alsop when speaking at the launching said that the bottom line for SINIS is for Para athletes to feel included and understand that SINIS recognises Para athletes just like everybody else.
Josiah McCarthy, Talent Pathways Officer at SINIS explains more about the TID program and about the program’s training structure which is aimed at meeting each individual athletes physical needs.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands National Paralympic Committee president, Mr Nihal Seneviratne said Para athletes are very happy to be part of the program as they are targeting 3 sports for the upcoming 2023 Pacific Games, those sports are: Para Athletics, Para Table Tennis, and Para Archery.
One of the Para sports athletes, Noela Olo said the current COVID situation in the country has impacted their training schedules thus she said that she is happy with the SINIS TID program because the officials there understands them which makes it easier for them.
Another Para sports athlete, Rodney Konai also shares his thoughts on the TID program stating that the way the officials join in and participated with them on how each part of the training is done makes it easier for them to understand.
The Para athletes first went through a well–being session, covering topics on positive mindset, growth mindset, communication, self-esteem, time management, hygiene, peer pressure, bullying and patriotism.
This was followed by a physical testing session where they were tested on their physical attributes including flexibility, power, speed, agility, strength and aerobic endurance.
Test routine includes; sit & reach, vertical jump, overhead medicine ball throw, long jump, single leg hop, 30m sprint, Illinois agility, 60 seconds sit up, 60-second push-up and beep test.
According to SINIS, the first TID program session was a great success and the Para athletes has performed well.
The TID staff will now provide reports and data gathered to the Paralympic Federation and individual athletes – to ensure they understand their training structure to meet their physical needs.
The Solomon Islands Paralympic Federation is looking to compete in 3 Para sports in the upcoming 2023 Pacific Games to held in the country. The 3 sports are Para Athletics, Para Archery & Para Table Tennis.
