Ministries unite through sports and healthy living programme
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Government ministries came together in a colourful display of unity, wellness and sportsmanship during the Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Programme yesterday at the East End Sports Park at King George School.
The programme, staged as part of celebrations marking the 77th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, brought together participants from all 26 government ministries, including men, women, senior officials, young public servants, and families.
With the theme “Healthy Workforce, Healthy Nation,” the event combined sports, entertainment and health awareness activities that aim to promote healthy lifestyles among public servants while strengthening relationships between ministries.
The atmosphere at the venue was lively throughout the afternoon as ministries arrived in uniforms and team colours while music, live band performances and sporting activities kept participants and spectators entertained.
Officially opening the programme, Minister for Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Stephen Kumi, thanked all participating ministries for supporting the initiative.
“The commitment and advocacy shown across the seven sporting activities have demonstrated the importance of staying active, building teamwork, and promoting healthy lifestyles within our workplaces.
“Through your participation, you have shown that a healthy workforce is the foundation of a healthy and productive nation,” he said.
He said the friendships built, teamwork displayed and healthy habits encouraged through the programme will continue to benefit ministries and the country.
“May we continue to embrace healthy lifestyles and work together to build a stronger and healthier Solomon Islands,” he said while officially declaring the Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Challenge open.
Speaking during an interview at the venue, organising committee representative Nevalin Laesango from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) said the programme was designed to bring ministries together through sports while also addressing growing concerns surrounding non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
She said the Ministry of Health played a leading role in reviving the programme after several years of inactivity following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is important because within the ministries, non-communicable diseases are affecting many people,” Laesango said.
She explained that the initiative encourages public officers to become more aware of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer while promoting healthier lifestyle choices within workplaces and communities.
Laesango said the programme includes seven sporting codes, with soccer and netball officially launched during Friday’s opening activities while additional sports competitions are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
She added that organisers hope the programme will become an annual activity within the public service calendar.
Meanwhile, participants expressed excitement over the opportunity to interact with colleagues from different ministries outside normal office settings.
Fletcher Fulairara from the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) said the programme provides an important outlet for public servants facing demanding workloads.
“I think it is a very important event because looking at the work we do in the ministry, the workload for staff is very high,” Fulairara said.
“So, this programme contributes to relieving stress, and at the same time it is good for our health.”
Fulairara, who participated in soccer, futsal and volleyball, said sports also help ministries strengthen working relationships and teamwork across government.
“I think sports unite all the ministries where we connect together through sports and also through our work,” he said.
Also attending the event was Gabriel from the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MMERE), who described the programme as a positive initiative that helps public servants maintain healthy lifestyles.
“It is good for everyone to participate in sports because it helps officers in the public service maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“Rather than just going to work and then back home, it is good to participate in drills, exercises and even walks,” Gabriel said.
He also praised the programme’s revival after several years, saying the initiative helps encourage stronger participation in physical activities across ministries.
The event concluded with entertainment performances and sporting activities continuing into the evening as participants celebrated both healthy living and national unity through sports.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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