THE 2016 University of the South Pacific Solomon Islands (USP SI) championship league was successfully completed on Friday with the presentation of prizes.
The event was described as an achievement for sports boys and girls at the University.
The week-long event started on Monday 29th and ended on Friday 2nd September.
An exciting prize presentation was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall.
Despite the many challenges faced by the organizing committee, things have turned out positive and fruitful with students having great time and fun.
The event (USP SI championship league 2016) also known as ethnic & cultural championship league, (ECCL) is an annual event and marked as an important juncture in the Centre’s calendar with the focus to unite students of diverse ethnic background to interact while at the same time give room for them to cooperate in sporting activities.
Also it’s an opportunity for students to mingle with each other, have fun, relax, relieve some of their stresses from schoolwork/studies and also offered them the opportunity to get to know each other.
Sports chair of the USP SI Campus, Leonard Tuasulia said the event ended on a positive note.
“As a person responsible for sports at the campus (USP SI), we have gone through to many challenges but we did make it to the end with a positive outcome.
“We are so proud to organize this league and not only that but we are fortunate to have almost every students participating and exposed their hidden skills and talents,” Tuasulia said.
Tuasulia said, he was impressed with the competitions and the good sportsmanship displayed by both players and partaking teams.
“This event is bridging us students to know each other despite the different ethnic background and languages we come from.”
He added that through sports, students can know each other culture, interact together and learn from each other. Besides that students can build a relationship from there on.
“We believe that such event can give scholars the idea in sports relating to education.”
He added, they are looking forward for another exciting occasion next year.
Tuasulia then thanked the participating teams and students for their supportive cooperation throughout the week-long competition.
Meanwhile, students were impressed by the event with great excitement and enjoyment throughout the week.
The students said, the event is significant as it pulled them together to know each other and learn from each other’s culture through sporting activities that were hosted over the week.
Two sports played are; futsal for boys and volleyball for both boys and girls.
About 32 teams participated in futsal competitions, while in volleyball games 22 teams for boys and 19 teams for girls, a total of 41 teams all in volleyball race.
Winners of this year’s competition as follows:
Boys’ Volleyball
1st –Renbel 1
2nd –Kwara’ae 1
3rd –Renbel 2
4th –Kwara’ae 2
For girl’s category, the two Guadalcanal finalist teams decided not to compete since they are representing one ethnic group while the losers’ final resulted in MOI coming third while Northern girls settled in the fourth position.
Meanwhile, for futsal games, grand final matches were called-off due to some disagreement from competing teams regarding players. Prizes were shared equally to the top four teams.
However, Tuasulia acknowledged all futsal teams for their understanding and collaboration despite the unexpected situation that resulted in the halting of all grand final matches.
“I would like to thank the four top teams for their understanding and acceptance of the decision we have made.”
Tuasulia said they are looking forward for organizing a similar event next year.
Prize awards given to winning teams ranged from $1,000 to $150 plus consolation prizes and individual awards.
By STEPHEN DIISANGO
