PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare assures Pacific Island athletes that come 2023 Solomon Islands will host the Pacific Games the ‘Solomon way’ using new sporting venues.
Sogavare revealed this through a pre-recorded video message played out to all the participating teams that attended Pacific Games held in Samoa.
He said the country will host the Games in the Solomon way.
“As the 16th Pacific Games in Samoa draws to a close the eyes of the Pacific will turn to Solomon Islands where we will host the 17th Pacific Games in 2023,” the PM said.
“While new comers to hosting the games, you can be assured the Hapi Isle will ensure your teams are provided with a safe and well run games.
“In 2023 Solomon Islands will be hosting the Games the Solomon Way,” he added.
Sogavare vowed to match Samoa’s efforts at the 2023 Pacific Games.
“We have been observing Samoa’s lead in this games and we’ll do our best to match what we have seen here.
“Our venues will be new which we hope will be amongst the best in the Pacific.
“Our athletes will be ready to exploit our home country advantage and we intent to challenge for every medal in all the sports that will be competed.
“Our volunteers’ smiles will rival those of our Pacific neighbours,” he said.
The theme of the 2023 Pacific Games revealed in his speech.
“We have chosen a unifying theme which is simply, challenge, celebrate and unite.
“The 2023 Pacific Games will see our country and athletes rise to the challenge, celebrate the Pacific spirit and unite all our islands, our people and our region, the blue continent.
“The 2023 Pacific Games will draw the best of us as we challenge, celebrate and unite. As our flags are hoist high during medal ceremonies, our tradition of a competitive yet unified region of 24 members of our Pacific family will leave on.
“On behalf of my government and our people we invite you all to challenge, celebrate and unite with us the Solomon way in July 2023 for the 17th Pacific Games.
“Until we all meet again in Solomon Islands in 2023, may God bless us all. Tagio Tumas,” he concluded.
Solomon Islands as the next host of the Pacific Games was handed the Pacific Games flag during the closing ceremony of the Samoa Pacific Games during the closing ceremony on Saturday.
Following the handing of the games flag Solomon Islands contingent to the Games performed a traditional dance to the crowd.
The performance also featured the three paddles which is part of the logo.
Meanwhile, since the handing over of the games flag to Solomon Islands to host the 2023 Games there have been calls a united stand to work together with the organising committee to prepare for the event.
A number of people have expressed online via the social their desire to support the Games preparation despite the challenges that may arise.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
In Apia, SAMOA
