New Kits to Support ‘Get into Rugby’ Initiatives for Women and Young Players
Rugby Solomon Islands has received a donation of training kits from the UK charity SOS Kit Aid, facilitated through a partnership with the British High Commission.
SOS Kit Aid is a charity organization that distributes both new and second-hand rugby kits to children around the world, with support from World Rugby. Founded in 2001 by John Broadfoot, the initiative aims to address the lack of rugby equipment for children. Broadfoot was inspired to create the charity after witnessing an 8-year-old boy in Romania running with a ball while holding up his shorts. This prompted him to collect unused kits from local schools, demonstrating the potential for a wider distribution effort.
During the handover ceremony to the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF), High Commissioner His Excellency Thomas Coward stated:
“Rugby teaches children values and teamwork. The Solomon Islanders Rugby Union Federation Get into Rugby programme frames this through its approach to Respect, Integrity, Solidarity, Discipline and Fun. Rugby is a great bridge between our two countries and brings us all together.”
Angikinui Francis Tekatoha, Secretary of the Executive Board at SIRUF, received the kits and noted the sport’s long history in the Solomon Islands.
“Our partnership with the British High Commission supports our Get into Rugby programme, Get into Rugby Plus and Rise Rugby. Our most recent rugby development programme is focusing on women, young people and schools so the gifts you are giving us today will be used in those programmes for training. The donation of kit deepens the partnership between the Rugby Federation and the British High Commission.”
Source: BHC
