As the country turns 38 years old yesterday, people of Sikaiana from all works of life congregated at the Ever Green Red Beach Sports Grounds, to celebrate the day with exciting sporting activities.
The annual tournament dubbed as the ‘Tu Atu Games’ attracted 41 teams from Sikaiana living in Honiara.
A colourful parade was made to officially opened the competition with special remarks from the organisers.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors Harry Luahiti welcomed all participants of the 4th annual games.
“Welcome to this 4th Tu Ata Games,’’ he said.
“Whist the games brings all the Sikaiana communities in the country together, unfortunately our elders from Sikaiana Island could not make today due to transport unavailability,’’ he said.
“Hopefully they can still travel and we can look forward for another competition with them later,’’ he said.
Luahiti also remained all the participants the principal of the games.
“We must compete to our best with fair play,’’ he said.
He also stressed the games was purposely organised to promote social interaction between members of the Sikaiana Community, promote social well-being and health through sports.
A good turnout of people from the Sikaiana communities living in around Honiara flocked the vibrant sports ground to witness the opening ceremony.
They are all vying for the $50,000 worth of prizes to be awarded for both the football and netball, volleyball and new inclusion for this year’s tournament, dart.
Shortly after the official opening matches kicked off with lots of entertaining performance displayed by the players who took part in the competition.
Meanwhile the prizes for the Tu Ata Games are as follows:
Football (Premier 5 a-side) – 1st $5000, 2nd $3,000, 3rd $2,000, Netball (Premier) – 1st $5000, 2nd $3,000, 3rd $2,000.
Volleyball (men) – 1st $3,000, 2nd $2,000, 3rd $1,000, and same for women volleyball, Darts – 1st $1000, 2nd $700, 3rd $500.
Prizes and tokens of recognition will also be awarded for the Golden Boot (football), Golden Hand (Netball) Golden Spike (Volleyball), oldest players, match officials, organisers, musicians etc,’’ Sisilo added.
The competition will continue this coming Sunday.
By CROFTON UTUKANA
