PRIME Minister Rick Hou has met with the Team Solomon at the Commonwealth Games Village in Gold Coast, Friday.
The Prime Minister was also accompanied by his Minister for Home Affairs Commins Mewa and Permanent Secretary George Palua.
In welcoming the Prime Minister, the National Olympic Committee Solomon Islands (NOCSI) President Martin Rara said Team Solomon is privileged to have the Prime Minister visit them.
“We are honored to have the Prime Minister and the Minister responsible for Sport to visit us,” he said.
Mr Rara also informed the Prime Minister and introduced him to Solomon Islands first ever commonwealth games medalist Jenly Wini.
“Jenly has proven that Solomon Islands can compete at the international level and especially at the highest level like the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
Mr Rara said despite the lack of facilities, athletes like Jenly continued to be a testament to other athletes that through determination and commitment one can beat the odds.
The NOCSI president also thanked the Government for dressing Team Solomon’s.
Prime Minister Hou when addressing the Team Solomon acknowledged the athletes and team officials for flying the country’s flag high.
“This is where we stand as true Solomon Islanders and every time we represent our country we must be proud,” he said.
The Prime Minister also congratulated and saluted Jenly for being the first Solomon Islander and more importantly a female to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games.
“For you to raise our flag at this prestigious event is truly an indescribable achievement and I congratulated on behalf of the Government,” he said.
The Prime Minister said with the new facilities the Government will be building in preparation for the 2023 Pacific Games; our athletes would now have access to train in better facilities and hopefully pave the way for Solomon Islands to win more medals at the Commonwealth Games and other international competitions.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has also informed the athletes and officials that the Government is committed in hosting the 2023 Pacific Games.
Minister for Home Affairs Mr Mewa also shared the same sentiments when he congratulated Team Solomon.
“Do not give up. Remain committed and aim for the skies,” he said.
Minister Mewa encourages Solomon Island athletes to always see themselves as world class competitors.
“The fact that you have been selected to represent Solomon Islands means you are the best so you should regard yourself highly,” he said.
Team Solomon will return today.
Mr Hou and his delegation fly on to London, England, to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Meeting (CHOGM) this week.
– PM Press Secretariat
