The Solomon Islands Rugby League (SIRL) federation has signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MOU) with the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) this morning.
This is purposely for SIRL athletes to have access to using the facility at the High Performance Centre in preparation for the upcoming XVII Pacific Games this year, 2023.
SIRL President, Jerry Tengemoana said the signing marks another milestone for the establishment for ‘Rugby League’ in Solomon Islands.
"Though it took a while to get to this stage, because of requirements we were asked to set up our governance structure, which enabled us to finally sign the MOU."
“Now that we have completed all those requirements required by NSC [National Sports Council] that has enabled us to sign this MOU. Now I hope with this signing it will give access to our athletes and our technical Staff to work closely with SINIS to prepare our athletes for the upcoming games,” said Tengemoana.
After having been working together for more than five years now since the last Pacific Games in 2015 at Papua New Guinea (PNG), SIRL Secretary Maito’o Hauirae said they look forward to be involved in the High Performance training as rugby is a sport that has huge potential.
“Rugby is a sport that has very huge potential in the country, which has already been participating in past Pacific Games and also ‘Emerging Nations World Championship’, and through this partnership with SINIS, we look forward to be involved in the High Performance training. This includes involving in more knowledge about sports, not only that it will help our athletes in rugby league, but also spread this sport of rugby league so that it become a number one sport in Solomon Islands,” said Hauirae.
Sport Development Officer (SDO) for SIRL, McYevar Kaipua in appreciation on witnessing the milestone, said this is a need to train athletes at a training facility such as at the High Performance Centre.
“Witnessing the signing of the MOU between SIRL and SINIS, it brings hope, as we look forward to achieve great things for our country in this upcoming Pacific Games,” said Kaipua.
Signing and witnessing the MOU with SIRL’s representatives this morning were SINIS Executive Director Aaron Alsop and SINIS Portfolio Manager (PM) for Portfolio Two (Team Sports), Amanda Korinihona.
Source: Press Release, SINIS
