9 April 2012
Radike Samo draws big crowd in Solomon Islands
Australian rugby union star Radike Samo visited Solomon Islands to launch the Pacific in Union program to promote rugby union and healthy lifestyles.
Samo, who is an ambassador for the Pacific in Union’s program for Solomon Islands, joined Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga, Australian High Commissioner Matt Anderson and President of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation, Frank Wickham, to launch the Pacific in Union program in Honiara.
While in Solomon Islands, Radike also visited several communities and schools to hold skills clinics.
Radike Samo running a skills clinic
“Young Solomon Islanders were thrilled to meet one of their sporting heroes and Radike Samo’s high profile ensured that the Pacific in Union launch enjoyed high levels of support and clinics were well attended.” Mr Anderson said.
“The great legacy of the program is that it promotes both development of rugby union in Solomon lslands as well as improving the health and wellbeing of young Solomon Islanders through sport.”
“It was striking that hundreds of ‘pikininis’ turned up to the clinics held on Easter Monday. To me, it was a very clear expression that they have a passion for the game, but the youth of Solomon Islands also have a thirst to take part in organised physical and social activities.”
In the first two months of the program, Pacific in Union plans to reach four schools in Guadalcanal province, with a rugby union festival mid year to finish the pilot phase. After an evaluation, it is likely to expand to other provinces.
Participants from skills clinic with Radike Samo, Deputy PM and Australian High Commissioner
The Solomon Islands program is focused on increasing youth participation in rugby union at schools, increasing the number of training coaches, referees and administrators as well as to bolster the capacity of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation to manage rugby union in Solomon Islands.
The program is part of a $15 million pacific-wide program launched in 2009, working across five sports of rugby league, rugby union, soccer, netball and cricket. It includes more than 15 partner organisations across nine Pacific island countries.