Sport, the international language

Not all diplomacy happens in conference rooms.

In Honiara the scale of commitment spoke for itself. Participants from across the Solomon Islands travelled for hours, and in some cases more than a day, to take part in hockey, tennis, volleyball and netball, demonstrating how the power of sport builds connections between communities.

The ADF's International Sports Program brought together qualified coaches, officials and umpires from across Navy, Army and Air Force to deliver a week-long program of coaching, officiating development and playing community sport at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).

This year's hockey program featured both men's and women's teams, a reflection of the growing interest in the sport across the Solomons.

Supported by ADF coaches and equipment, participants developed their playing skills while local umpires strengthened their knowledge of rules and game management.

Tennis sessions catered to juniors and adults alike, blending umpiring fundamentals with serve technique, backhand development and games designed to keep younger players engaged.

Coach SBLT Angel Phillips said the program was about more than developing players.

"The enthusiasm from participants has been incredible. People have travelled a long way to be here and make the most of this opportunity,” SBLT Phillips said.

"We've worked with players and officials of all ages, helping them build skills and confidence both on and off the court.

"The knowledge shared this week will be shared with local communities to help grow the sport across the Solomon Islands."

Volleyball has emerged as a highlight of the program, with those who took part developing skills through traditional coaching, umpiring development and the introduction of seated volleyball.

FLTLT Josh Suh said the introduction of the seated game was one of the highlights of the week.

“Having athletes with disabilities participating alongside the broader volleyball community created a fantastic learning environment and showed how adaptable and inclusive the sport can be," FLTLT Suh said.

The program experience extended to live competition, with ADF personnel providing mentoring and support at the Ministries Cup and Honiara Premier League at Lawson Tama Stadium.

FLTLT Suh said the involvement with live competition was a highlight.

“It gave us the opportunity to work alongside referees in a live competition environment and provide immediate feedback and mentorship," FLTLT Suh said.

"The appetite for learning has been fantastic. Whether in the classroom, on the training court or during live matches, participants have been eager to develop their skills and confidence.

"The enthusiasm from everyone involved was incredible, and it demonstrated that volleyball has the power to bring people together regardless of ability."

As the most popular women's sport in the Solomon Islands, netball attracted the most engagement with more than 80 women taking part.

The sessions combined practical drills, match-play scenarios and theory-based learning, giving everyone the opportunity to strengthen their skills while sharing knowledge and experiences.

Beyond player development, the event helped lay the foundations for a junior netball program, an initiative locals hope will continue the growth of the sport across the Solomons.

Vice President of ADF Netball WO1 Kimberly Kiely said it is the first time, as part of the International Sports Program, that participants designed, developed and assessed a program specifically for the Solomon Islands.

“Having our coaches embedded courtside throughout the week meant we could provide real-time feedback, build relationships with local coaches and players and tailor the delivery to the needs of the community,” WO1 Kiely said.

“To have more than 80 women and girls come through our netball coaching sessions this week tells you everything about how much they wanted to be here.

“Attending the grand final in Honiara was a fantastic way to finish the week. There were more than 200 people from the local community lining the court, cheering on the teams and celebrating the sport.”

Every participant was outfitted with coaching and umpiring shirts while all equipment was provided by the ADF, creating tangible, lasting resources for the local sporting community long after the program concludes.