THE theme for the 2023 Pacific Games is captured in three simple words Challenge, Celebrate and Unity and as the event drawers closer and closer, there is already excitement in the air.
For many Solomon Islanders, it was a proud moment when the country was given the honour to host the largest regional sporting event.
Solomon Islands is the seventh country to host this largest sporting event this year. The last sports event was hosted by Samoa in 2019.
So as a host this year, the momentum to stage the Games is
The opening ceremony will take place on Sunday 19 November at the National Stadium in East Honiara.
In the lead up to the two-week event, one thing that has already generated so much excitement is the provision tour of the Games baton.
Already many rural villages, wards, constituencies, islands and provinces have embraced the baton since its arrival to their respective communities.
Many were excited to receive the baton and those who are yet to receive it are looking forward for that momentous occasion.
The baton relay was officially launched in August by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare who is also Minister for the Sol2023 Pacific Games.
Thereafter the launch, the baton embarked on a 100-day relay throughout the nation.
PM Sogavare has highlighted how the baton as a symbol of unity will fly over the islands, climbs over hills and mountains, descend onto valleys, sail across the sea and rivers to reach communities before returning to Honiara ahead of the games.
The paddle-shaped baton already visited most of the provinces with the courtesy of Solomon Airlines, one of the main sponsors of the Games.
With the baton having already travelled around most of the provinces, it is symbolic of the unity that sports can bring Solomon Islands, a national spread over geographically-scattered islands and consisting of people with diverse ethnicity. Thus, Solomon Islands hosting of the games is a cause for celebration.
The baton arrived in the Western Provincial capital Gizo last Thursday and spent the entire day passing through the market, police station, the provincial headquarters, hospital, Correctional Centre, schools, shops, government offices and communities.
There was jubilation as the baton made its way around the township and to other surrounding communities and settlements.
Most schools suspended classes except for all high school studentssitting their exams on that day.
As observed, the arrival of the baton was received with so much excitement as people from all walks of life came out in numbers to witness its official arrival at Gizo main market.
Hundreds of people lined up the streets to witness its arrival as the baton entourage which featured cultural and traditional warriors escorted the baton through the township.
As the baton was passed from one person and groups to another, there was much excitement.
The baton was accompanied by sports officials, police, traditional warriors, bamboo bands on foot and vehicle.
For young Trino Ta’ake, a high school student of Gizo Community School, the arrival of the baton brought him so much excitement and energy to move around the township.
Equipped with two cameras, he said this was a piece of history that he will forever cherish.
“So, I’m excited to witness the occasion to capture the moments by camera,” he said as he zoomed his camera to take another shot at the baton.
Ta’ake said the arrival of the baton turned every body crazy, especially the youths.
He said roads were decorated to welcome the baton.
Ta’ake told Solomon Star that given it’s a once-in-a-life-time event, the arrival and presence of the baton in Gizo united everyone and every resident of the township came out to celebrate.
“The arrival of the baton gave so much excitement to the residents who have been preparing for its arrival,” he added.
Some of the school students have been rehearsing dances and songs for the baton welcome ceremony. Others took it a civic obligation to decorate their compounds.
In nearby communities like Titiana, the baton was welcomed with a tamure performance and everyone joined in the celebration.
Ta’ake, who is in his 20s, said the arrival of the baton in Gizo has got everyone crazy and they all enjoyed the day.
“Everyone was excited to welcome the baton.”
Ta’ake is contemplating heading to Honiara to watch the two-weeks sporting showdown.
But for many, he said the baton had given them a sense patriotic pride.
Ta’ake said the presence of the baton is history for the township and everyone was so excited to touch, feel and carry the baton.
He said young children, who have participated in the relay, will remember the day for the rest of their lives and will tell their children and grandchildren about it.
Ta’ake thanked the government through the National Hosting Authourity and the Games Organising Committee organising the baton to visit the provinces in the lead up to the games.
The baton will arrive back in Honiara on 16 November.
More than 5000 athletes from 24 countries and territories will compete will compete in the sporting event in 24 sports across 11 venues.
And from this event, winners in the sports of archery and boxing, will directly qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Ranking points for athletics, taekwondo, and weightlifting will also go towards the Paris Olympics.
For swimming, qualifying times will also be recognised.
Formerly known as the South Pacific Games, the regional sporting event was renamed the Pacific Games in 2015 with the inclusion of Australia and New Zealand.
The 24 Pacific Island nations and territories include: American Samoa, Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna.
China funded the $75 million stadium which will be officially be handed over to Solomon Islands government on August 18.
Australia donated $17 million towards the games, which was drawn from Australia’s annual aid budget.
By MOFFAT MAMU
