SOLOMON Islands sporting contingent for the 17th Pacific Games here in Honiara last Friday made their intensions known that they are ready to compete against the best in the region at this year’s historical Games.
Team Solomons conducted their parade march from the Honiara City Council (HCC) Headquaters to the SMI grounds showing their determination to compete on home soil and an intention of achieving a new-medals record for the Solomon Islands.
Speaking during the ceremony Chef de mission (CDM) of the Solomon Islands delegation, Faye Ghemu said, “This upcoming Pacific Games is a historic one for Solomon Islands, firstly this will be the first time the Pacific Games will be hosted on our shores.
“Secondly this will be the first time our new sporting facilities will be used for international matches and games and most importantly this will be the first time our athletes will be competing on home turf across various sport codes surrounded by what I would expect a huge home-based crowd”.
Mrs. Ghemu also told the 500 plus athletes, “Consider yourselves privileged to be among the first athletes chosen to compete in some of the region’s best and newest facilities, representing the nation at the highest regional sporting event”
The Team Solomons CDM also expressed the team’s appreciation to the Solomon Islands Government and its friends and partners for their support in bringing the games into the ‘Hapi Isles’.
The ceremony was also officiated by the Minister of Home Affairs Christopher Laore and the Governor General Sir David Vunagi who today launched the Team Solomon T-Shirt.
“As we draw near to the 2023 XXVII Pacific Games, you must know that all the citizens in the country has placed their hope and faith upon your shoulders”.
“To those of you who have represented the nation in training overseas and competing with other players must show to the nation what you have learnt and aim high for a successful result at the end of the games”, said Sir Vunagi.
The Governor General also urged the athletes to respect the new T-shirts as it is the identity of Team Solomons.
Meanwhile, Team Solomons have had a commission service at the Saint Barnabas Anglican Cathedral on Sunday 5th November, before heading into their camp the Saint Joseph’s Tenaru School.
source: PG2023
