BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) has paid tribute to outgoing Australian Strength and Conditioning Mentor Maria Podnar, whose one-year placement is being credited with strengthening athlete development and enhancing high-performance sport practices in the country.
Podnar, who completed her placement through Australian Volunteers International, was farewelled by SINIS staff on Friday after spending the past year working alongside coaches, athletes and technical staff to improve strength and conditioning knowledge and athlete preparation systems.
While her departure marks the end of her official placement, SINIS officials say the knowledge, skills and professional networks she helped establish will continue to benefit Solomon Islands sport long after her return to Australia.
Throughout her time with SINIS, Podnar played a key role in mentoring local staff, supporting coaches and delivering professional development opportunities aimed at improving sport performance standards.
Her contribution extended beyond physical training programmes, helping foster a stronger culture of learning and collaboration among staff and athletes.
Speaking during her farewell, Podnar reflected on the personal and professional impact her time in Solomon Islands had on her.
“I came to Solomon Islands thinking I would change it, but Solomon Islands changed me,” Podnar said.
“Everyone models true optimism. There is no time to waste focusing on the negatives. I see five super strengths in all of you, and you give everything you’ve got. I admire you all for it.”
She said the experience had given her valuable lessons and assured SINIS staff that she would remain committed to supporting the institute and Solomon Islands sport in the future.
“Wherever I go in sport and wherever I can, I will keep SINIS included. Reach out to me whenever you need,” she said.
“To all of you, thank you so much for showing me a beautiful part of your country. I hope you have learned from me as much as I have learned from you.”
Podnar also paid tribute to the friendships and professional relationships formed during her stay, describing them as among the most meaningful aspects of her placement.
“I put a piece of my heart into every gift, story, or professional development session I have given you,” she said.
“I have seen the same in all of you. I will take a piece of all of you with me, everywhere I go.”
SINIS staff acknowledged Podnar’s role in strengthening athlete preparation programmes and improving staff capability through hands-on mentoring and knowledge sharing.
Officials said her placement demonstrated the value of international partnerships and volunteer programmes in supporting the long-term growth of high-performance sport in Solomon Islands.
Her departure closes a successful chapter for SINIS, but the foundations she helped build are expected to continue supporting athletes and coaches as they prepare for future regional and international competitions. Maria Podnar served as the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport’s Strength and Conditioning Mentor under a one-year placement facilitated through Australian Volunteers International.
During her tenure, she worked closely with athletes, coaches and staff to improve physical preparation programmes, strengthen technical capacity and contribute to the development of high-performance sport systems within Solomon Islands.
Her placement formed part of broader efforts to enhance athlete support services and build local expertise in sport performance.
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