Dr ROOSEN IS NSC CURRENT INTERIM HIGH PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR

The High Performance arm of the National Sports Council (NSC) housed at Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) has a new High Performance Director (Interim) and he is Dr Andy Roosen.

The NSC Board shortly after the previous Executive Director completed his contract, approached Dr Roosen, asking him to fill the position as Director Interim until such time the Board is able to advertise and appoint the position to be permanent.

Dr Roosen has a BSc Degree in Sports Administration and Science from Nottingham Trent University, completing with first class honours and top of class. The new interim SINIS Director gained his PhD from Loughborough University, in Sports Biomechanics and Motor Control.

In brief background, Dr Andy Roosen is originally from Belgium and has lived in a number of countries namely Germany, Netherlands, the United Kingdom (UK), New Zealand (NZ) and Solomon Islands.  Dr Roosen is no stranger to  coaching in high level sports (especially on Karate), starting from an early age back in Europe, and he has also assisted Team Solomon through past years heading into competitions.

SINIS current Interim Director came to the country as early as in 2005 when his spouse started working here. Relocating to Solomon Islands in 2008, Dr Roosen first helped a group of boxers in the country and was soon approached to reform the Karate Federation.

The Karate team was selected to go to the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia and it is there that his collaboration with Team Solomon started, having former Chef de Mission (CdM) Ronald Talasasa asking for his support to the team.

“I was humbled to be assistant CdM and General Team Manager to Team Solomon at the 2013 Mini Games, the 2014 Commonwealth Games and again at the 2015 Pacific Games.  In late 2016 the kids and I relocated to New Zealand where I became the Coaching Council Chair, Head of Coaching and High Performance Manager for Karate New Zealand.  I continued to regularly visit Honiara and support karate and sports here.  I made myself available again in the run up to the 2023 Pacific Games and helped some projects get off the ground,” shared Roosen.

According to Dr Roosen, it is a real privilege to be considered for this current important role at the High Performance Centre.

“I am truly humbled.  It is wonderful to work with so many familiar faces and to meet so many new ones.  Since arriving in 2008, Solomon sports have been a huge part of my life and I am very passionate about playing my part in moving sports in the country forward.  My vision is that our Team expand on their roles and provide excellent support to member federations.  We want to collaborate closely with NFs [National Federations] and Olympic Committee and help them achieve their goals.  I see us as a partner and supporter that will provide knowledge and assistance to elite coaches and athletes as they require.  As a nation, we have a great opportunity post hosting these magnificent Pacific Games to work together to grow our sports,” said Roosen.

-SINIS MEDIA