Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the Pacific-Australia Sports Partnership is a future investment for youths to nurture stronger connections, shared values and mutual respect through the universal language of sports.
He highlighted this when speaking at a brief official opening ceremony before the start of the second match between the Solomon Islands National U19 team and the Australian Subway Joeys U17 men’s team on Sunday evening at the King George VI National Stadium in East Honiara.
“It is an opportunity for excellence, and unlocking the potential of new generations of sporting champions that we have.
“It is sports, especially football that brings our people together.
“Our gathering here today is a testament of a fruitful and a long-standing partnership that has been nurtured over many years,” he said.
Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Honourable Pat Conroy launched the PacificAus Sport Partnership program on Sunday evening via online and was witnessed by many fans and supporters at the National Stadium.
“Ladies and gentlemen, these international friendlies are part of the Partnership we have witnessed being launched by minister Conroy and I am hoping to see more of these international friendly matches in the future perhaps our men’s senior national football team and the mighty socceroos.”
PM Manele said, the country has the facilities, the capacity and the passion to host a such a football match.
“Football holds a special place in the hearts of Solomon Islanders. It is more just than the sports.
“It has become an integral part of our lives and identity.
“In our nation’s history football has been a powerful force for unity and solidarity,” the prime minister stressed.
Manele added, football brought people together, breaking down barriers and fostering new friendship.
He said, football taught everyone about the value of team work, discipline and fair play shaping the character of young men and women and preparing for future challenges.
The prime minister concluded by extended his heartfelt gratitude and acknowledged the Government and the good people of Australia for their unwavering support to sports development in Solomon Islands.
“Australia and Solomon Islands shared a long-standing relationship, built on mutual trust, respect and cooperation,” he concluded.
Australia and the Pacific share a rich history and deep love of sport.
PacificAus Sports is working with partners to unlock this potential further and create new opportunities for our athletes to train and compete together.
The final match on Sunday night saw the visiting side overcoming the host, 4-1, to win the two friendly matches on aggregate.
By RAYMOND HULANGA
Solomon Star, Honiara.
Action of the match on Sunday night.
Above and below: Part of the spectators watching the final leg on Sunday night.
