A FIRSTEVER football league is underway on Simbo, Western Province following its official launch on Tuesday.
The football tournament is promised to boost the development of football and local raw talented players on the island.
Western Provincial (WP) Tourism Culture and Sports Minister Eric Hitu, Western Football Association (WFA) Vice President and Western Province Sports Coordinator Jim Ben along with elders, chiefs, communities and nearby villagers in Simbo attended the official opening of the competition.
The football tournament commenced at the main sports ground at Lengana community in Simbo.
Speaking during the official opening of the tournament, Minister Hitu said, thanked the organisers for the invitation to attend the inaugural launch of a rural football league.
“We are not gathered just as individuals but as a community bound by our shared passion for football, it’s a joy to see youths who have come together to participate in this exciting event.”
He said, football is more than just a game, it is a way to bring everyone together, to teach their generation valuable life lessons and to forge lifelong friendships.
“Here on this field, we are reminded of values of hard work, respect and team work. Each time we step onto peach, we have the opportunity to challenge ourselves, learn from one another and grow both in skills.”
He also acknowledged the hard work of everyone who made this league possible from organizers, volunteers to coaches who dedicate their energy and time.
“You are the backbone of this community,” he said.
He also encourages players to play with passion, play fair and most importantly, enjoy every moment of the competition.
“This league is not just about winning, its about building a sense of belonging, promoting health and health being and providing a safe environment where our youth can thrive.
“Lastly but not the least, our provincial government will make sure to continue to support rural sports within the western province as it aligns with the current ACAREA government policy statement,” the Sports Minister added.
Simbo Football Association (SFA) President, Scriven Tuke acknowledges the Sports Minister and sports officials and guest for attending the first ever tournament held in Simbo for quite a long number of years.
Tuke said, it’s a historic occasion for such higher level delegataion from the WPG especially Sports Minister and Sports Coordinator to visit the island and officiate in such an event.
He added Simbo Island is often described by many people as isolated, uneconomical and Simbo is always the last in the list of places to visit by government officers including allocations of funds to support activities on this island.
“However, by bringing this sports activity to life, this is very helpful and productive for our young people to engage in sports to avoid negative anti-social behaviors that cause nuisance and disorder in communities.
“Therefore, I would like WPG to invest more in sports similar to Simbo and hence increase budgetary support for the development of sports infrastructures and equipment.
“This is particularly a priority for Simbo Islands sports development due to poor visible sporting facilities and resources.”
A total of 12 teams joined up to compete in the round robin tournament.
They are Mebovana FC, Nusa Simbo FC, Tapurai FC, Riguru FC, Lenagana FC, Kombutu FC, Lengana CHS Frigates FC and others yet to be registered
Winning team will be awarded with winning trophy and cash prize at the conclusion of the competition.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
