JICA volunteer to support athlete rehabilitation and high-performance at SINIS
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The National Sports Council (NSC), through the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), welcomes Japanese physiotherapy volunteer Yuki Nishikawa, who has begun a two-year attachment in the country under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Volunteer Programme.
Nishikawa arrived in the country this week and is expected to work closely with the institute’s High Performance Programme, providing physiotherapy support to national athletes and sports officials.
According to information released by NSC Media, the Japanese physiotherapist brings with him professional experience from hospital-based physiotherapy work in Japan and is eager to expand his experience in sports rehabilitation and athlete care within an international sporting environment.
“My role is to support the High Performance physiotherapy staff and athletes through assessment, rehabilitation, injury prevention programs and education,” Nishikawa said.
He said he is also looking forward to contributing towards the development of sports in Solomon Islands through knowledge sharing and athlete support programmes.
“I also hope to contribute to the development of sport in Solomon Islands by sharing knowledge about injury prevention, rehabilitation and education,” he added.
NSC said Nishikawa’s arrival is expected to further strengthen athlete welfare and performance preparation as local athletes continue preparations for regional and international competitions.
The council also acknowledged the continued support from JICA and the Government of Japan towards sports development initiatives in Solomon Islands, particularly through volunteer exchange programmes and technical assistance.
Officials believe the partnership will help build local capacity in sports medicine, rehabilitation and injury management while also exposing local athletes and staff to international standards in physiotherapy practice.
Nishikawa’s attachment with SINIS will run for two years.
The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport was established to support the development of elite and high-performance athletes in the country through specialised training, athlete welfare programmes and technical support services.
Japan, through JICA, has remained one of Solomon Islands’ long-standing development partners in sectors including education, health, infrastructure and sports development.
Photo credit: NSC
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