The Gizo–Kolombangara Constituency (GKC) in Western Province has invested a total of $154,700 in sports development through the successful staging of the GKC Cup.
This highlighted the constituency’s strong commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports, Member of Parliament Jimson Tanaganda highlighted this when speaking during GKC Cup closing on Sunday.
He said the investment covered prize money, facilitation costs, and full logistical support for football, volleyball, and netball competitions.
“A total of $79,600 was allocated to the football tournament, covering prize money and facilitation, including consolation awards.”
He said, the football prizes were distributed as follows: first place received $14,000, second place $11,500, third place $9,000, and fourth place $6,500.
The fairest team received $1,000, while teams placing fifth to eighth received $500 each, totaling $2,000, he said.
He said for volleyball, GKC spent $37,500 on prizes and facilitation.
First place received $8,000, second place $6,000, third place $4,000, and fourth place $3,000.
For the fairest team they received $1,000, while three best individual players shared $600.
Game officials were paid $12,000 in allowances, with an additional $1,000 allocated for contingency.
He added for netball activities they received $37,600 in total funding.
First place received $7,500, second place $5,500, third place $4,500, and fourth place $3,500.
The fairest team received $1,000, while four teams received consolation prizes totaling $2,000.
Three best individual players shared $600, game officials received $9,000 in allowances, and $1,000 was set aside for contingency, he further added.
Hon. Tanaganda said GKC continues to work closely with the Western Football Association (WFA) and other sporting bodies to strengthen long-term leagues and development pathways for talented young athletes across Gizo and Kolombangara.
“In addition to prize money, GKC fully covered major logistical costs, including 24 full sets of uniforms for teams across the three sports, travel costs for teams and officials, food and catering for six days, accommodation, and officiating allowances,” he said.
Through these activities, Hon. Tanaganda said GKC injected over $300,000 into the local economy, benefiting youth players, catering groups, market vendors, farmers, transport operators, small businesses, and other service providers.
He also acknowledged the contributions of GKC officers for their dedication throughout the week.
He further thanked CDC members, the WFA , the Local Organising Committee, game officials, and physio Mr Ialangono Darcy for their professional support.
Addressing the youth, Hon. Tanaganda said the GKC Cup demonstrated that the future of Gizo and Kolombangara lies in young people, reaffirming his commitment to continue supporting their talents, skills, and aspirations through sports and development programs.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
