AFP OFFICERS PARTICIPATED IN RUGBY FESTIVAL

Two Australian Federal Police (AFP) Protective Services Officers (PSO) who are part of the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) joined the Solomon Islands rugby family by taking part in the Women in Rugby Month Festival (WIRMF) at the Town Ground Stadium recently.

WIRMF is an annual initiative celebrated by all 17 Member Unions in Oceania Rugby. The Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) organised the event in Honiara that brings women rugby players and supporters to share and listen to stories from women in rugby and to engage in fun games.

The event is part of SIRUF efforts to make rugby safe and accessible to girls and women in the region and to grow female representation in all roles both on and off the field through competition reform and program development.

Members of the current Solomon Island National Rugby Team were at the Stadium during the day participating in drills and mentoring the participants. The afternoon was focused on team building, rugby drills and learning modules.

The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children & Family Affairs (MWYCFA) and Seif Ples Centre used this event to deliver awareness talks about safe participation of women and girls in community activities.

PSOs Kirsty Scott and Erin Hunter met with SIRUF’s Development Officer, Mr. Godfrey Salo, to show their support and also volunteered to lead activities on the day. Mr Salo said the main aim of the entire festival was to teach and empower local rugby volunteers and coaches to confidently host their own rugby camps and development days.

PSO Hunter also met Augustine, a volunteer who usually works with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). Augustine said he is keen to see more programs like the WIRMF happening in Honiara and that he enjoyed seeing AFP members being part of it.

AFP officers are looking forward to supporting more initiatives that encourage local young women and girls in sport as part of their engagement with the community. PSO Hunter said she really enjoyed being part of the event and enjoyed seeing the local women and girls get involved. She further stated that being involved in community events like this is really important and helps Police to build stronger relationships with community members.