ALLOWING Solomon Islanders to engage in sports can bring economic, social and health benefits to themselves and the country.
That’s according to the Minister of Home Affairs, Chris Laore, whose ministry looks after sports development in the country.
He was contributing to the parliamentary debate on the much-awaited Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Final Report (shortened version).
He said the National Government through his ministry has launched the National Sports Recreation Policy in May 2022 to take the holistic approach in utilising and decentralising sports as a means to engage in participatory development in rural areas and to foster unity and cooperation amongst citizens.
Furthermore, he said the policy will also ensure people to live a healthy life and empower locals to realise their potential in sports and the many economic and social benefits that are associated with it.
He also took the opportunity to share information about Fiji which has benefited from remittances through sports.
“In 2021, Fiji’s remittance from sports alone accounts for around FJD$300 million.
“We can do the same if we invest time, effort and resources into the sector,” he said.
Minister Laore also highlighted another benefit of sports which is the fostering of peace and unity amongst Solomon Islanders.
“I speak with conviction that sports is one aspect that forges peace, unity and coexistence in the country.
“Therefore, we have to invest more efforts and resources in this industry.”
Minister Laore further highlighted that the upcoming sports and legacy plan to build more sports facilities around the country is to institutionalise this industry to a greater height, allowing all rural talents to move up to the highest performance level thus elevating their capacity and enhancing sports tourism and remittances to the country.
“Whilst we recognise the economic benefits of sports, we must also appreciate the sense of identity that comes with it.
“For instance, when our National Football Team plays abroad, the whole country is behind them with one identity as Solomon Islanders. This is our pride and oneness.
“When we have the Solomon Games, we divide ourselves into provinces. When you come to provincial games, we divide ourselves into communities and wards,” he said.
He said sports is one area that will continue to unite nation and continue to move it forward as a unified nation.
By MOFFAT MAMU
