Pacific nations gather for regional sport forum

Manager of the ASC’s International program Geoff Howes welcomed delegates to the forum which will contribute to using sport to achieve social benefits including the promotion of health, leadership and community cohesion in the Pacific nations.

‘The forum provided an opportunity for delegates to share experiences and exchange ideas on ways to improve the delivery of sports programs in the Pacific nations,’ Howes said.

‘The ASC remains committed to sharing its knowledge and expertise which contribute to the delivery of sports development opportunities in the communities of Pacific nations.’

The forum is an integral part of the Australian Sports Outreach program (ASOP) managed by the ASC and funded by AusAID.

Australia is recognised as a world leader in promoting international community development through sport.

‘A key aim of the ASOP is to help build the capacity of communities in the Pacific to deliver their own sporting programs,’ Howes said.

‘The forum is a great example of how Australia is working in partnership with Pacific nations to improve sports participation and physical activity levels in these developing communities.

'Delegates from Pacific nations determined how they can benefit from Australia’s world leading expertise in using sport as a vehicle for community development.'

A highlight of the forum included a debate on how sport can make a difference in developing communities in the Pacific.

The forum also featured a demonstration of the ASC’s highly successful Active After-school Communities program (AASC) at Canberra’s Gilmore Primary School in February.