The Australian Defence Force International Sports Program has returned to Solomon Islands, with a welcome ceremony held in Honiara, the Australian High Commission said.
This year the programme covered volleyball, hockey, netball and tennis. Members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and the local sporting community took part in coaching, umpiring, first aid training and sports trainer accreditation.
Hockey and tennis were included for the first time, which the high commission said recognised the progress both sports have made in development and governance. They join netball, described in the release as the country's leading women's sport.
Seated volleyball was also included, which the release said reinforced the programme's focus on inclusive participation and disability sport development.
Captain Matthew Mitchell, officer in charge of the ADF Sports International Program, said sport provided a platform to bring people together and build connections, and that the programme represented a partnership built on trust and respect.
"By working together, sharing expertise and investing in local capability, we're helping create opportunities for individuals, teams and communities to grow and succeed," Captain Mitchell said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands National Sports Council, Alison Burchell, said the country needed a stronger competitive mindset to make the most of its sporting potential.
Burchell said coaches played a key role in influencing athletes and that the mindset had to change from participation to competition, with athletes prepared to win medals and reach finals at international level.
As participation increases, so does demand for skilled coaches, officials and support staff, according to the release, and programmes such as the ADF one help meet that need through practical training and professional development.
Burchell thanked the Australian Defence Force and the Australian High Commission for their support, and said the programme showed the value of working together to develop people and grow sport across Solomon Islands.
The high commission said the skills and knowledge gained during the programme would continue to be shared within communities, helping shape the next generation of athletes, coaches and officials.