Congratulation is the word that Team Solomons deserve for their exceptional performance in the recent Pacific Games in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Over the past weeks, the country stands united and proud following the achievement of our contingent to the 15th Pacific Games.
No doubt its history for the country in getting the best result ever since the inception of the then South Pacific Games.
Since 1963 when the first Games started in Suva, Fiji, the country has taken part in them all although we are yet to host the event.
Looking back when the country participated in the 1995 South Pacific Games in Tahiti, which is 20 years ago the country only managed few gold medals, the highest being 3.
So lets reflect on our past achievements and results.
In 1995 at Tahiti, the country was ranked 10 after winning 24 medals – 3 gold, 8 silver and 13 bronze.
In 1999 Pacific Games in Guam the country was placed on tenth position with a total of 21 medals – 3 gold, 6 silver and 12 bronze
In 2003 Games hosted by Fiji the country has seen a drop possibly due to the ethnic crisis and managed to get only 14 medals which included – 1 gold, 5 silver and 8 bronze.
In the 2007 Pacific Games hosted by Samoa the country bounced back with a total of 27 medals which included 1 gold, 12 silver and 14 bronze. However it was ranked 15 in the overall table.
In 2011 New Caledonia hosted the event which saw the country still at 15th position with a total of 22 medals. However there was nil gold except for 5 silver and 17 bronze.
And this year – 2015 the country has made a significant improvement by coming 8 in the overall standing after snatching 28 medals which included the highest number of gold (7) silver (6) and bronze (15).
So the result is a huge improvement for the country and record that will remain until its being broken in any future Pacifics.
The result has put smiles on everyone because it means, Solomon Islands is a country to watch when it comes to some of these sporting events like weightlifting, athletics and other individual sports.
Of all the 22 sports that participated, only 7 sports managed to produce good results and made the country proud.
Most of these medal winners are individual sports. Not a single team sports managed to grab any medal although some came close to getting bronze.
But overall, the performance by Team Solomon Islands must be acknowledged because it has proven that the country is making progress in sports development.
It means more better sports facilities should be built as promised by the government.
Not only that, but outside exposure through overseas trainings and competition is vital to gain some experience.
The two sports which raised our flags after coming out gold winners are those that have undertaken training overseas under top professional overseas coaches and instructors.
Therefore its time to invest more into sports in the country and send out athletes for overseas training.
This latest result should encourage every sports men and women to work hard for the next competition inorder to beat this record result.
In the meantime lets continue to celebrate the achievement of Team Solomons.
A big thank you to all of you who have participated in the recent Games and for being good ambassadors for the country.
Despite the many criticisms that may have come your way you have all done well and make the nation proud.
Go Solo Go!!!!
