BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The St Barnabas Cathedral in Sa’a, Small Malaita is using sport as a platform to unite communities, promote youth development and raising funds for a new rector’s house through its ongoing 7-a-side soccer and netball tournament.
The week-long tournament, organised under the Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana, officially got underway this week as part of celebrations marking the St. Barnabas Church Festival Day.
Local organising committee member Andrew Lilimae said the event was designed not only to celebrate the church festival but also to create opportunities for young people in remote communities through sport.
“Small Malaita is very remote and it is difficult for teams from SIFF to come and do assessments in our region,” Lilimae said.
“So, with this kind of program, we can bring together teams and young people from this side of the island. It gives opportunities for young people and children to showcase and promote their talents while at the same time helping to raise funds for the Rector’s House.”
Lilimae explained that the fundraising initiative became necessary following the establishment of the new Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana two years ago.
“At the moment, rectors are being posted here, but we do not yet have a proper house for the rector,” he said.
“We feel obliged and responsible to support the church, so we are doing this event to help raise funds towards building a house for the rector.”
Tournament organisers are expecting participation from teams across the Small Malaita region, including areas along the Maramasike Passage and Asimowri.
However, poor weather conditions have affected travel arrangements for some participating teams travelling by boat.
“Today, which is the first day, we have 14 soccer teams participating, and we are still expecting more teams to arrive tomorrow,” Lilimae said.
“At this time, we are monitoring the weather and hoping conditions improve so teams travelling by boat along the coast can attend the tournament.”
The competition is being played under a knockout format for both soccer and netball, with organisers emphasising the importance of applying official sporting rules in rural competitions.
“Even though we are in a rural area, we still want young players to learn and follow official FIFA rules and standard netball rules,” Lilimae said.
“We want to help promote better sports development in rural communities.”
Lilimae also highlighted the positive social impact sports activities are having on young people in surrounding communities.
“This event will have a great impact on surrounding communities, especially in sports development,” he said.
“Sports keep young people busy and focused on positive activities instead of getting involved in harmful behaviour such as drugs, alcohol and causing disturbances.”
Organisers have accommodated visiting teams within village homes, with local families donating food and support to assist teams and officials during the tournament.
Lilimae said organisers are hoping to raise more than $20,000 from the fundraising tournament to support construction of the planned rector’s house at Sa’a.
The St. Barnabas Cathedral 7-a-side soccer and netball tournament follows similar sporting activities previously held in the region and reflects growing efforts by church and community leaders in Small Malaita to use sport as a tool for community development, youth engagement and fellowship.
Photo: Supplied
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