Our Role

History of NSC

NSC was established by an Act of Parliament in 1988 to develop sport and recreation across the Solomon Islands. The Council operated as Board and secretariat up until 2021. A step change in the development of the NSC came with its initiative to bid to host the 2023 Pacific Games with the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI).

Winning the right to host these Games catapulted sport to the top of the national agenda. This achievement led to an influx of investment in sport, including the construction of top-class, national competition and training facilities in Honiara.

In 2022 a CEO was appointed with the mandate to build the capacity of the organization to take on the legacy of the Pacific Games, ensuring the legacy benefits all of Solomon Islands.

Guiding Legislation

Solomon Islands National Sports Council Act (1988)

NSC was established as a body corporate under the Solomon Islands National Sports Council Act (1988 and amended 1992). The existing functions and powers vested in the Council in relation to sports and recreation are extensive, and position NSC as the overseeing body for sport and recreation in the Solomon Islands.

Due to substantial changes in sports and recreation since the Act was adopted over 35 years ago, the Act is due to be reviewed in 2024. This will ensure that the National Sports Council (NSC) can effectively fulfil its role and achieve its desired outcomes in today's context.

Download the Act

Core Functions

In accordance with the NSC Act the functions of NSC are:

To foster and promote the development of sports and recreation in the Solomon Islands;
To carry out itself, or encourage and support other persons or bodies in carrying out the practice of sport and physical recreation in the interest of social welfare;
To foster, support or undertake the providing of facilities for sports and physical recreation;
To carry out itself, or to encourage and supports other persons bodies or organisations in carry out research and studies in connection with sport and physical recreation, and to disseminate knowledge and advice on matters relating thereto;
To collaborate with foreign or international bodies in furtherance of the forgoing, and to secure benefits from the facilities, training and expertise offered by such oversea bodies;
To advise, co-operate with, or assist the Minister or any sporting body, organisation, government department, provincial body or authority on any matters connected with sports and recreation; and
To carry on any other activity related to sports or recreation for the benefit of the public.

National Sports & Recreation Policy

Solomon Islands National Sport and Recreation Policy (2021-2035)

The National Sport and Recreation Policy (NSRP), as approved by Cabinet in 2022, is the guiding document for the sport and physical recreation sector in Solomon Islands

The primary objectives of the Policy are to organise the sector, clarify roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, maximize the contribution of sport and recreation to national development priorities, and achieve targeted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.

The Policy will primarily be delivered by NSC as an arm’s-length-body overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Other organisations from the sport, recreation, education, health, infrastructure, tourism, and private sectors will take a lead or supporting role in their area of focus.

The NSRP sets the mandate for NSC’s current Strategic Intent, which covers the 12-year period leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.

Download the Policy

Policy Outcomes

The six policy outcomes of the NSRP are to:

Improve the health and wellbeing of all Solomon Islanders
Improve access to recreation through development of inclusive facilities and active environments
Embed good quality physical education and sport in the school curriculum
Promote gender equality and inclusive access for all to sport and recreation
Develop a holistic sport and recreation system and pathway that encompasses community participation, sport at the grassroots, and high performance sport
Develop and enhance the local sporting industry to increase employment opportunities and enhance the economic contributions of the sport and recreation sector