The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation (SIBF) is the latest National Federation (NF) to pen down the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to partner with the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High – Performance program in time for their preparations for the upcoming 2022 FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup in Fiji this April.
Considering the rare challenges faced especially during the Covid 19 community transmission experience, SIBF against the odds had to adjust to the situation to engage its executive members and review the MOU.
SIBF President Cyril Rachman in his brief remarks said that since the sport facing the dilemma to access training facilities and proper services - the SINIS partnership will pave way for a new chapter forward in its development.
“It was very difficult getting the executive members to review the MOU, because of the current covid protocols and restrictions in place. But we utilized all available online platforms to review the MOU separately before we came to the decision. An alternative that could save us a place in the XVII Pacific Games at home,” Rachman stated.
Going through the MOU content of policies and governance requirements, SIBF saw its decision fitting to seal the agreement.
“The federation saw that at the moment, SINIS is the only institute that is available and well equipped with the services and programs offered that can address our athletes and coach’s needs, especially in preparations - having the decisive regional competition in the coming months,” Rachman revealed.
Unlike other sports, basketball does not have an automatic qualification at the XVII Pacific Games, despite being the host country. The competition will serve as the sub-regional qualification phase with only two berths allocated for next year’s major event here.
“Eventually, we need SINIS to help us prepare for these competitions. It’s always been difficult at the management level and technically to prepare our teams (Men, Women) but now with the signing today (Tuesday 22nd) we thank SINIS for the work they have been doing and for following up on us to sign this MOU,” he adds.
SIBF Executive Member and national basketball athlete, Timmy Magi also shared the sentiments, given the High – Performance services on Strength & Conditioning, Physiotherapy and Nutrition included.
“Through this MOU it will be a game-changer for the basketball teams. It will be for the first time our athletes will have access to proper training facilities, what we have been longing for a long time,” Magi said.
“We trained on outdoor courts and never had proper strength and conditioning training. It has always been up to each athlete to do their own. But seeing the services that will be provided by SINIS through the MOU I’m confident our athletes will improve and will be able to compete better than before.
SINIS responsible Performance Manager Portfolio 2 (Team Sports) Amanda Korinihona congratulated SIBF for being innovative and reaching the partnership as she assured them the support to access training facilities and services provided.
“SINIS is now open to the federation, and since our basketball court is yet to complete, we will step in to assist SIBF to secure a temporary training court, where they can begin training.
Source: SINIS Media