MASI acknowledge establishment of Sport Journalists Association

The Solomon Islands Sports Journalists Association (SISJA) was officially established in Honiara on Friday 9^th April, 2021 with the successful election of the association’s Chairman and Vice Chair following the election of four executive members last week.

SISJA will be led Mr. Philip Lilomo (Chairman) and Ms Elizabeth Osifelo (Vice Chairlady), both of whom have vast experiences in sports journalism, in the first two (2) years of the association’s existence, in accordance to its constitution.

The establishment of SISJA, which will represent the interest of sports journalists, sports photographers and writers, has the full support of the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI).

MASI President, Georgina Kekea was present to witness the election of SISJA’s inaugural Chairman and Vice Chair and offers her congratulation to the first SISJA Executive Committee which she says falls in line with MASI’s objective to development all aspects of the media profession in the country.

“It is encouraging to see our young professionals taking this bold step in creating the change they want to see especially in the area of sports journalism in the country.

“On behalf of MASI I congratulate Mr Lilomo and Ms Osifelo on their election to lead this new association and assure them of our continuous support in our combined efforts to develop the capacity of our sports media professionals towards the Pacific Games in 2023,” MASI President, Ms Kekea, said.

Representative of women in sports media, Ms Osifelo is humbled to have been voted in as Vice Chair of SISJA.

“I am humbled by the trust and confidence expressed by our members to take up this position and I am also encouraged by the support shown.

“The formation of SISJA is a positive accomplishment for sports media in Solomon Islands.

“Although sports coverage is a male dominated round, I would like to personally thank colleagues for believing in my capabilities to serve as Vice Chair,” Ms. Osifelo said.

SISJA Chair, Mr. Lilomo said it is a privilege to be part of the formation of the first sports Journalists association in the country.

“Being the first sports journalist to take up this position is both a privilege and huge responsibility, but, since it is my greatest interest to lift the standards of sport journalism in Solomon Islands, by working together with my colleagues, I will give emphasis to take the responsibility that I bear seriously.

“I also wish to acknowledge my fellow colleagues for their overwhelming support and trust in electing me as their Chair. I look forward to their continuous support as we move forward together on our journey towards 2023 and beyond,” Mr Lilomo said.

SISJA will focus on closer collaboration with sports and media stakeholders in the country and regionally for the betterment of sports reporting in the build up towards the hosting of the first ever Pacific Games in Honiara.

“The current SISJA members combined have years of experience covering the

Pacific Games and have witnessed firsthand the level of media coverage required at the Games, as such, we also look forward to working with relevant groups in ensuring visiting regional colleagues have a worth-while experience in Honiara 2023,” Mr Lilomo added.

An immediate priority for the SISJA is to continue its discussions with the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) who is supporting Pacific Islands Sport Journalists Association with their membership with the International Sports Press (AIPS).

SISJA is the fifth of its kind to be launched in the Pacific region following the formation of associations in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu.

Meanwhile the newly elected Chair and Vice Chair of SISJA are joined by four

Executive Committee members from three of the main media outlets in the country – Carlos Aruafu (Solomon Star), Crofton Utukana (SIBC), Peter Zoloveke Jnr (Island Sun) and Simon Abana who is the Media Manager for the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF).

SISJA will represent sports media in Solomon Islands and act as a consultant to organisers of major sports events who need guidance on media requirements as well as seeking to represent its members.

ENDS///