HONIARA (Solomon Islands) – Supported by Team Up, FIBA in Oceania in collaboration with the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation have successfully delivered a two-day intensive coaching workshop. This was the first activity conducted under the Basketball For Good Program in the Solomon Islands.
A significant aspect of this workshop was the participation of six female coaches, highlighting the commitment to gender equality in sports. This aligns with the FIBA strategic priority to empower women in basketball, ensuring they have equal opportunities to develop and excel in their coaching careers.
“As a region, we are striving to provide ongoing support and resources to lift-up and empower women in basketball,” FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins said. “At our recent FIBA Under 15 Oceania Cups we had 15 female coaches involved within a coaching capacity, and six of those leading their countries as Head Coaches.
“Basketball For Good workshops like this, held in the Solomon Islands, really underpin everything our basketball community is striving to achieve in increasing female participation on, and off the court.”
The main objective of the workshop was to educate and train Basketball For Good Coaches, equipping them with the necessary tools, knowledge and skills to implement program activities across the Solomon Islands, driving positive change.
The first day of the workshop was dedicated to classroom sessions, with the day tipping off with introductions, and session planning. All 10 participants engaged in discussions on gender equality and inclusion, led by Lorah Kwanairara and Aroma Ofasia from the Family Support Centre. This session emphasised the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments in sports, particularly for women and girls.
Hemah Aquillah (37), from Niuleni, Malaita Province in the Solomon Islands, took part in the workshop to learn more about what it means to be a basketball coach, and how she can influence positive change throughout the islands.
“Basketball reaches communities throughout the Solomon Islands with different cultural and social norms,” Aquillah said. “What I found beneficial about the workshop is the emphasis on creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved. The session on gender equality helped me understand the importance of breaking down barriers and promoting equal opportunities. It also gave me more knowledge and confidence to be a better coach and a role model, not only for basketball but in fostering a positive change in my community.”
The afternoon sessions focused on safeguarding and child protection, monitoring and evaluation, and the Basketball For Good. Coaches were introduced to the Hoops for Equality Playbook developed by FIBA in Oceania, and the FIBA Foundation as part of the Team Up Program. The Hoops for Equality Playbook aims to assist with developing children's knowledge about gender equality through a series of fun basketball games and activities.
The second day of the workshop shifted to practical, on-court training at the Honiara City Council Indoor Court. Coaches participated in sessions on teaching basketball fundamentals, including movement, ball control, passing, dribbling, and shooting. These sessions were designed to equip coaches with the skills to deliver high-quality basketball training while promoting health and equality.
The highlight of the day was the Hoops for Health & Equality demonstration, where coaches applied their newly acquired skills in real-time scenarios.
Mr Andrew Schloeffel, Australia’s Acting-High Commissioner said “Australia is Solomon Islands’ nambawan partner in sport. Team Up supports more than 35 partnerships in 7 countries throughout the Pacific, running activities in community, school, and sporting settings. The Australian Government launched Team Up in Solomon Islands in 2023 and is supporting six sport-for-development partnerships designed to include more girls, women, and people with disability, giving them opportunities to play and succeed, and making sure no one is left behind.
“We’re proud to partner with the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation and FIBA Oceania to spread positive messages through the power of sport. Together, we’re promoting safe, responsible, and inclusive sports participation among children.”
Basketball For Good in the Solomon Islands
Basketball for Good is a sport for development program in the Solomon Islands. The grassroots program focusses on addressing gender inequality and bringing about positive change. The program is implemented by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation with the support of Team Up, and FIBA to provide opportunities for youth, women, girls, and persons with disabilities to enjoy the benefits of sport.
FIBA