SOLOMON Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) takes up the leading role to sign the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High–Performance programs by signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) partnership deal on Wednesday 30th March 2022.
SIRUF President George Tema mentioned that the High–Performance program, will be a leading edge on rugby union’s development in the country’s preparation wise.
“It’s a new thing for us in rugby union,” Tema said
The program provides a strong holistic approach to recognizing the need to develop athletes and coaches, both on and off the field – SIRUF is excited to be given the opportunity.
“To have our athletes trained under specific High – Performance services on mental and physical fitness will be a bit of relief for us, now that we have a home to be provided with these important facilities in terms of preparations. And we are happy to come onboard with SINIS,” Tema continues.
Rugby athletes now will get access to Nutrition, Mental Skills, Personal and Professional Development integrated with the on-field development, to ensure that progression takes place, and the players have the knowledge, tools and confidence to perform at the elite level.
SIRUF President Tema also highlighted a number of High – Performance programs SINIS will assist on.
“We will be making use of every possible opportunity available so that we can prepare the best teams, and it will be a different approach from past years in terms of squad selection,” he said.
“The next step for us SIRUF is to host a national tournament to conduct selection that will cover all our provincial associations and bring together a squad to High – Performance. That’s our main priority in working towards the 2023 Pacific Games.
He adds that with sports typically debated on impacts of the covid 19 community transmission, SIRUF also imposed strict guidelines on their programs for athletes.
“Now with covid 19 things changed and we learn as we keep going forward. But the bottom line is all players must be double vaccinated to also be part of this high – Performance benefits, or even to be selected into the national squad,” Tema stated.
“Even if you are a good player, but not vaccinated you will, unfortunately, miss out on these. So, I encourage all rugby players, both men and women to get vaccinated and be part of the trials and further make the national squad.
SINIS High–Performance Team Sports Performance Manager Amanda Korinihona congratulated SIRUF for taking up the sports system initiative partnership.
“Over the past few months, we have been communicating and SIRUF’s cooperation is much appreciated. It signifies a leadership that prioritizes development. Our staff at SINIS now will be looking forward to having rugby union athletes and coaches onboard as we together in preparations in the buildup for the games.
“We will be making sure that we meet every support rugby athletes and coaches will be needing through the program,” she concludes.
SOURCE : SINIS MEDIA
Feature Photo Caption:
PHOTO 1 – L to R: SINIS Performance Manager Amanda Korinihona, NSC CEO Allison Burchell, SINIS Director Aaron Alsop handing over the signed document to SIRUF President George Tema, SIRUF CEO Alivereti Mocelotu & SIRUF Development Officer Godfrey Salo
