Team Solomons left for the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India, yesterday, with just three days to go before the opening.

The 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games will run from the 12th to the 18th.

Led by Mrs. Delma Nori and Leslie Ata, the Solomon Islands team is made up of 7 young athletes who will be competing in boxing, tennis, weightlifting and athletics.

Mr. Golden Kiloko from the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) mentioned that the participation of the youths provides a good platform for them to have international exposure.

He said that their participation in the Commonwealth Youth Games should prepare them for the South Pacific mini-games in Cook Islands in 2009.

Solomon Times understands that the participation of Solomon Islands in this year's Commonwealth Youth Games will also help our bid to host the 2015 South Pacific Games.