BY JOY OFASIA
The Solomon Islands Tennis Federation (SITF) has begun visiting schools ahead of the rollout of its third-quarter Sports Development Program, which is scheduled to commence next week.
The visits involve executive members of the federation and its Sports Development Officer meeting with school principals and sports teachers to discuss the program’s objectives, implementation plans, and the important role schools will play in supporting the initiative.
Speaking to RAW SPORTS ONLINE, SMASH DOWN BARRIERS Program Manager Kevin Olea said the initiative is aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development by working closely with schools to encourage greater student participation in table tennis.
“The purpose of our staff and Sports Development Officers’ visits is to discuss the program’s objectives with school administrations and sports teachers, and to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with each participating school for the delivery of the third-quarter program from July to September 2026,” Olea said.
He explained that students participating in the program will be introduced to the basic skills of table tennis while also learning important life values, including respect, responsibility, and making positive choices for their health, education, and future.
“The program has helped develop many of our participants by equipping them with both sporting skills and valuable knowledge,” Olea said.
The federation’s first school visits were conducted at Mt Horeb School and Vura Primary School, where school leaders welcomed the delegation and took part in discussions on the upcoming activities.
School visits will continue through Friday, 24 July 2026, as the federation engages with additional schools before the official launch of the program.
Olea said establishing formal partnerships with schools through signed MOUs has become a standard practice for the federation, ensuring all parties clearly understand the program’s objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.
“It is important that school principals and sports teachers fully understand our aims and the way we deliver sports for development programs. We use table tennis as a tool to drive positive change within schools,” he said.
He added that the federation aligns its activities with school academic calendars and works alongside established partners to deliver broader education and advocacy initiatives.
“Our programs are integrated with key awareness campaigns such as the 16 Days of Activism, World No Tobacco Day, and other advocacy events. Together with our partners, we bring these important services directly to schools,” Olea said.
The Solomon Islands Tennis Federation acknowledged the support of school principals, sports teachers, executive members, and its Sports Development Officer for their commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the third-quarter Sports Development Program.
