The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS) continue to support the development of Para Sports and its buildup preparations for the 2023 Pacific Games.
"Recently, through the high-performance program, a 7 weeks talent identification trial was scheduled for the para-athletes – these are to identify and classify new aspiring para-athletes and an opportunity to help them discover their abilities.
"So far we going through the basics,especially the new ones to use some of the sporting equipment and how the para-athletes can practice and adjust comfortably (seated & standing),” Para coach Mark Ologa explained.
He says that during the 7 weeks trial the para-athletes went through a series of high-performance capabilities with the strength & conditioning team, talent pathways, wellbeing & lifestyle and coach development.
"We continue to thank SINIS for providing the support of equipment and venue. For me, it’s the first time I noticed that the athletes enjoyed the environment coming to training and the amazing access,” Ologa expresses.
"We need more para-athletes for us to include in the right events to compete at the games. Currently para-athletics only focuses on events for shot put, 100m race, discus and javelin.
"As the host country we need to include more events for para sports like the able sports – more events more chances for us to win medals,” Ologa stated.
Other para-athletes sports included during the 7 weeks trial are; Para archery, Para table tennis and Para powerlifting.
Source: SINIS Media