THE Solomon Islands Government has extended its profound gratitude to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea for their invaluable support in ensuring the successful hosting of the recent 17th Pacific Games in Honiara.
This message was conveyed by the Solomon Islands High Commission Office in Papua New Guinea.
The Solomon Islands High Commission acknowledged Papua New Guinea in its firm commitment by providing funding support for the construction of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Academy, a facility that will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in nurturing the football talents of the nation for years to come.
The collaborative efforts extended beyond infrastructure, with Papua New Guinea actively participating in the security operations of the Games. The deployment of police officers, along with intelligence support, significantly contributed to the smooth and secure conduct of the event.
In addition, Papua New Guinea also played a crucial role in facilitating the entry and exit of a large number of visitors by providing technical support and personnel to the Solomon Islands Immigration Division. This assistance was instrumental in ensuring a seamless experience for all participants and visitors.
The Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation’s contribution to Solomon Islands sports authorities was commendable. Their technical knowledge, experience and guidance on legacy programs, especially regarding the future use of the state-of-the-art sports facilities, will leave a lasting impact on the sporting landscape of Solomon Islands.
The Solomon Islands High Commission extends warm congratulations to Team PNG for their outstanding performance at the Games, winning a total of 105 medals – 29 gold, 37 silver, and 39 bronze. Equally commendable is Team Solomon’s record-breaking achievement of 80 medals – 12 gold, 37 silver, and 31 bronze. These accomplishments underscore the talent and dedication of the athletes from both nations.
The High Commission once again expresses gratitude to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea and other key development partners like Republic of India and the Republic of Korea which the High Commission worked closely with through their respective Missions in Port Moresby, for their unwavering support and collaboration with Solomon Islands Government and people to make the 17th Pacific Games a memorable and successful event.