The Australian Defense Force (ADF) have stepped in to help build the capacity of sports technical officials, coaches, referees, strength and conditioning trainers and administrators in Samoa through a virtual Pacific Training workshop coordinated and organised by National Rugby League Samoa.
National Rugby League (NRL) Samoa are leading the initiative in partnership with Netball Samoa, and the Samoa Touch Association to roll out the programme. There are over 30 participants with opportunities also offered to Samoa Tag, members of the Samoa police service, school teachers and other community sports players and administrators.
The launch of what looks to be an exciting week long virtual training workshop opened with a prayer and encouragement by Rev Dr Siaosi Salesulu of the Vailele EFKS. Dr Salesulu was himself a former Chief Executive of the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority and was able to convey personal insight during his sermon.
Samoa’s Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Honourable Seuula Ioane acknowledged the Government of Australia for their ongoing support for key areas of Samoa’s development including sports, in order to “bring nations together, build communities and advance prosperity”.
The Minister said the programme aims to build highly qualified sports players and officials across Samoa and commended the organisers for the initiative.
Seuula said that for Samoa and the Pacific to compete internationally, there is a demand for Pacific sports officials to be highly qualified and this week’s training of over 30 participants will help Samoa to fill that gap.
Samoa’s program is the 4th in the Pacific to be rolled out by ADF through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Speaking to SGN after the opening ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Netball Samoa, Rosemarie Lome said this training had recently taken place in Tonga and was thankful it was now available in Samoa.
“This is the first of it’s kind and it is great to see a wide range of participants from different sports, and also from schools and the police force,” said Rosemarie.
“This workshop spans over 5 days and offers participants the opportunity to upskill and build their capacities in their respective sporting codes..
“This will empower our netball community, and strengthen their technical skills. This can then be passed on when they return to develop their clubs,” said Rosemarie Lome.
Samoa Netball’s Chief Executive acknowledged the morning’s speakers and thanked them for the support and commitment shown to the development of Sports in Samoa.
“We would like to extend our appreciation to Reverend Siaosi Salesulu for opening our day with an invigorating speech and word of prayer. Thank you for your valuable insights and experience in the sports environment in Samoa”.
“Thank you to the Minister of Education Afioga Seuula Ioane for your words of wisdom and well wishes..
Thank you also to our guest speaker Mr. Jay Clarke for your fantastic enthusiasm and assistance throughout the organisation of this workshop..
And last but not least, thank you to the Australian High Commission in Samoa, Her Excellency Emily Luck for your closing remarks. We are looking forward to our ongoing relationship with Australia here in Samoa”.
The virtual workshop includes highly practical sessions where participants get to do hands on demonstrations and real life scenarios as part of the training.
