SINU community-based rehabilitation students gain firsthand insight at SINIS
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Students from Solomon Islands National University’s Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programme have gained valuable, firsthand exposure to inclusive sport services following an educational visit to the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High Performance Centre yesterday.
The visit, part of their academic training, focused on understanding how sport contributes to improving the lives of people living with disabilities, with emphasis on inclusion, participation and athlete welfare.
During the tour, the students were taken through key service areas including Performance Services, Talent Identification and Development (TID), Nutrition, and Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. The session provided a practical overview of how the national institute supports both able-bodied and para-athletes.
Speaking after the visit, SINU part-time tutor Crystal Konainao said the experience highlighted the institute’s inclusive approach to athlete development.
“I have learnt that the institute is not only for those who are able, but it is inclusive, including athletes with special needs,” she said.
Konainao added that the visit also opened her eyes to the broader support systems in place beyond performance.
“The institute does not see people only for sport. They are also concerned about health, diet, and how athletes are cared for in many different areas,” she said.
She further acknowledged the professionalism of staff across departments and thanks SINIS personnel for sharing their expertise with the students.
First-year CBR student Patrick Lane described the visit as an eye-opening experience, particularly in understanding opportunities available for persons with disabilities in sport.
“One of the things I learnt today is how inclusive sports opportunities are provided, especially for people with disabilities,” Lane said.
He said the High-Performance Centre plays a key role not only in supporting participation but also in empowering individuals through structured programmes and partnerships.
Students said the session broadened their understanding of how inclusive sport systems operate at a national level, particularly in delivering services that prioritise both performance and wellbeing.
The visit concluded with expressions of appreciation from the students, who acknowledged the opportunity to engage directly with staff and gain practical knowledge of athlete support services.
The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), operated under the National Sports Council, serves as the country’s premier high-performance training facility. It provides integrated services such as athlete development, rehabilitation, nutrition, and talent identification, while also promoting inclusive sport programmes for para athletes and communities across the country.
Photo credit: NSC
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