BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The successful staging of the inaugural “Play for Equity” Para Sport Program has marked another important step forward for disability inclusion and Para sport development in Solomon Islands.
Hosted by the Disability Women Empowerment Association (DWEA) from June 2–4 at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), the three-day initiative brought together persons with disabilities from across the country to participate in sporting activities, leadership training and empowerment programs aimed at strengthening inclusion through sport.
The program was organized by DWEA — one of six organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) under the National Disability Forum Solomon Islands (NDFSI) — with support from development partners and sporting stakeholders.
Speaking to NSC Media, NDFSI volunteer Stephen Maerongo described the event as a milestone achievement for the country’s growing Para sport movement.
“This is the first event of its kind organised by DWEA, bringing together people with disabilities to participate in sporting activities while promoting inclusion, empowerment and unity,” Maerongo said.
The initiative combined sporting participation with educational and personal development sessions, including pre-evaluation and post-evaluation training designed to help participants reflect on their learning experiences throughout the program.
Participants included members of the Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre (BDTSC) alongside representatives from various disability organisations under the NDFSI umbrella.
Apart from encouraging participation and confidence-building, the program also focused on identifying potential athletes capable of progressing into the Solomon Islands Para sport pathway.
“The program aims to empower people with disabilities, especially women and girls, and to demonstrate the potential that exists within our disability community.
“The program has also provided an opportunity for us to identify potential athletes who could become part of future national Para sport teams and represent Solomon Islands abroad,” Maerongo said.
Maerongo acknowledged the support of development partners including the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF), while also commending the National Sports Council (NSC) for assisting with the hosting of the event and transport arrangements.
“We sincerely thank NSC, which manages SINIS, for its positive response and support in hosting this program,”
“We also thank our partners, volunteers, coaches and participants whose commitment made the event possible. Without their support and willingness to work together, this program would not have been successful,” he said.
He added that the success of the inaugural program demonstrates the importance of stronger collaboration between disability organisations and sporting institutions in creating equal sporting opportunities for all Solomon Islanders.
“We hope to continue working together in the same spirit of unity, cooperation and inclusion as we plan future activities that will further support and empower persons with disabilities through sport and community engagement,” Maerongo said.
The Play for Equity Program also reflects the growing national push to strengthen Para sport structures in Solomon Islands as more organisations work to ensure persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities to participate in sport, develop their talents and pursue higher-level competition.
The National Disability Forum Solomon Islands (NDFSI) serves as the umbrella body representing Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across the country and continues to advocate for inclusion, empowerment and equal participation opportunities through community programs, leadership initiatives and sport development activities.
Photo credit: NSC
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