SOLOMON Islands sports athletes living overseas are safe from the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, according to reports reaching Star Sports.
Star Sports have been in contact with some of the athletes overseas and has received reports that no one has been reported to have been infected with the coronavirus.
“We are fine, none of us has been a victim to this virus.
“We were told to stay at home to avoid getting infected so that’s what we did.
“Our respective programs have come to a halt because of this coronavirus but we hope it will be over soon,” they said.
Many wanted to return home but due to the restrictions put in place for traveling back home, they remain and abide by the safety measures.
“We all want to go home during such times like this.
“We think of our families but due to the restrictions put in place, it’s quite hard to travel now.
“All we have to do is to be patient until the crisis is over,” they added.
Star Sports understands that there are many athletes from various sports plying their trade overseas, some for short term training and others or long term training.
In England, there are more than 20 young football players from the Royals Football Academy.
Other athletes are in Australia for their training and others in New Zealand and Fiji.
All these countries have recorded confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
The National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) last week urged all athletes both in the country and abroad to take extra care during the coronavirus crisis.
They also urged athletes to find time and a safe environment to do their own training.
NOCSI is quite concerned of the safety of all athletes since the country is preparing for the 2023 Pacific Games to be held in Honiara.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
