Jeffrey Poea has been honored as the Male Technical Official of the Year by the Oceania Athletics Association (OAA) during its recent congress in the Cook Islands. The award was presented to Poea by Michael Kuali, the President of the Athletics Solomon Association, at the Mendana Hotel, surrounded by fellow officials from the athletics community.
Poea expressed his joy and pride following the recognition, describing it as a significant milestone in his career. He stated, “Receiving this Oceania award feels like a lifetime achievement. It’s a historic, remarkable, and truly exciting moment in my life as a technical official.” Reflecting on his journey, Poea mentioned that accolades were never his primary goal, emphasizing his enduring passion for athletics and his commitment to helping young athletes remain engaged in physical fitness. “Honestly, I never aimed to win any award. I’ve just always been passionate about athletics and helping students stay fit and healthy at school,” he said.
He also offered words of encouragement to younger technical officials, advising them to embrace their roles with both dedication and responsibility, believing that they too could receive similar recognition in the future. Poea thanked the OAA, his national federation, fellow officials, and especially his students at Saint Joseph Tenaru Catholic School for their support over the years.
In addition, Kuali praised Poea for his contributions to athletics in the Solomon Islands and acknowledged the pride this award brings to the federation on an international level. “We thank Jeffrey Poea for bringing home this prestigious title of Male Technical Official of the Year. It’s a great achievement for him and a proud moment for Athletics Solomon at the Oceania level,” Kuali remarked.
This recognition not only highlights Poea’s dedication but also serves to inspire upcoming athletes and officials within the Oceania region, aligning with a broader narrative of acknowledging excellence in sports and fostering a supportive environment for youth development.
It is indeed a hopeful moment for athletics in the Solomon Islands, as Poea’s achievement could encourage more individuals to participate and contribute to the sport at various levels.
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