GOVERNMENT has promised to develop sports in the country through the provision of better sports facilities.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made the assurance yesterday while congratulating Team Solomons following their performance so far saying, Solomon Islands’ athletes competing at the South Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea have done the nation proud.
In recognition of their efforts, Mr Sogavare promised the provision of “better and world standard facilities” to be based on a full report being requested by the Government on Team Solomons’ performance at the Games.
“The Government will request a full report on the performance of the team,” he said in a statement yesterday.
“The report will help the Government develop a comprehensive sports policy to address the pertinent issues to develop sports in the country including the provision of better and world standard facilities,” Mr Sogavare said.
The Prime Minister said Solomon Islands athletes have achieved the results without the facilities other countries have.
“Their achievements demonstrate that the nation can achieve much by working together.”
Solomon Islands has won 18 medals including five gold as the XV South Pacific Games winds to a close.
It is in ninth position in the medal tally, with the host nation, PNG bagging more than 120 medals in the two-week competition.
The Prime Minister said Solomon Islands’ athletes have done the nation proud.
“On that note, I wish to congratulate all the athletes who represent Solomon Islands at the Games. Each of them has contributed to the overall success of Team Solomons’ participation.
“I therefore wish to acknowledge with shared pride the sense of achievements our athletes must have felt in winning medals,” he said.
“You are not alone in the feeling of euphoria that must have swept through your entire being, winning as you have medals for your country. We too feel and share in the joy you have experienced,” the Prime Minister said.
“It is only fitting and proper that I congratulate all the athletes who won medals including 18-year-old Rosefelo Siosi who beat competitors from other South Pacific nations to bring home the much-coveted gold medal in the 10, 000m long distance race.
“I am sure the exemplary achievements by all our winning athletes will inspire other Solomon Islands youngsters to work hard towards representing our nation in future games,” Prime Minister Sogavare said.
Other athletes who won gold for the country are Jenly Wini and Sharon Firisua in weightlifting and athletics respectively.
By Alfred Sasako