Threatens to boycott Pacific Games
SOLOMON Islands female weightlifter, Jenly Wini has lashed out at responsible authorities over the delay of payments for athletes who won medals in the recent Mini Pacific Games in the Northern Marianas.
Wini revealed about 20 medals was won by Team Solomon at the 2022 Mini Pacific Games, but have not received any financial support for this achievement.
She said if the Government can do it for Futsal why not do it for other athletes as well.
“Team weightlifting has won medals in every game.
“We have waited one year for the government to pay these athletes’ hard work.
“20 medals were won by the weightlifting team, including two Para athletes and athletics but these athletes have not received any payment for their achievements.
“The Government has done it for Futsal why can’t they do it for us,” Wini said.
Wini added that she has been following up on this issue but has received no positive feedback.
She said if this remains the case then they will resort to boycotting the Games.
“Only four months left before the Games kick off, without the support and positive feedback for us, we will not compete.
“I have been following up on this and the response wasn’t positive.
“So maybe it’s better not to compete because this will happen again after this Pacific Games.
“lf government wants athletes to work hard then invest in them, how can we develop our athletes when financial support is difficult,” she questioned.
Attempts to get comments from the Ministry of Home Affairs were unsuccessful.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
Solomon Star, Honiara
