The end of March is fast approaching, bringing Solomon Islands and the entire Pacific region eight months closer to the much anticipated, historical Sol2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
From 19 November to 02 December, the City of Honiara will play host to 5,000 plus athletes and officials from across 24 Pacific Island nations and territories at the Games.
Speaking at a press conference hosted for the visiting Pacific Games Council (PGC) President, Vidhya Lakhan and CEO, Andrew Minogue, NHA Board Chairman Dr Jimmie Rodgers assured Solomon Islands and the region that all Games preparations are on track and will be ready before the start of the Games.
“From our own assessment, we believe we are on track with facilities and all other areas of preparation. Everything will be completed before the Games.
“We have assurance from the Government that their contributions toward the Games will be paid in by August in instalments – that in itself is a big positive for us.
“Our preparations are in good shape and we will be ready in time for the Opening Ceremony of the Sol2023 Pacific Games,” Dr Rodgers said.
The visiting PGC President, Lakhan said that he is satisfied with the preparations and is confident Solomon Islands and the GOC will deliver a great Games as promised.
Following a site visit of all the venues last week, Lakhan said, “We were quite impressed with the amount of work that has gone on from November last year to date.
“We left here (Honiara) November last year, knowing fully well that all the facilities will be handed over to the GOC well ahead of time, and I am happy to say that we are still on schedule on getting all of the facilities up and running before the Opening Ceremony on November 19th.”
Lakhan added, “We are quite satisfied and we will be leaving your shores in the knowledge that we are in good hands and good space and when we do come back in August – things will have improved considerably.”
During their brief stay in the country, PGC President Lakhan and CEO Andrew Minogue held brief meetings with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Honiara City Mayor, the Chinese Ambassador, NHA Board and the GOC regarding means of ensuring Honiara is clean and ready for the Sol2023 Pacific Games.
SOURCE: POST COURIER/PACNEWS
