Athletic Solomons is sending a 14 member strong squad to the Melanesian championship which will be held in Cairns Australia from the 15th to 19th of August 2007.

The final squad to the Melanesia championship was selected from the national championship that was held in Honiara last week at KGVI field. The squad which consists of rural athletes is hoping for a successful outing at the games.

The Melanesian championship will also be counted as a part of the Pacific grand prix, four athletes qualified to compete from Solomon Islands. These include, Francis Manioru, Chris Walasi, Jack Iroga, and Adison Alfred. The four were selected by Oceania Athletic Federation because of the times they recorded this year.

The following is the 10-member squad that was selected during the National Championship

1. Nelson Kabitana
2. Chris Votu
3. Rodney Rapasi Gapirongo
4. William Taloga
5. Chris Ota
6. Jenny Keni
7. Pauline Kwalea
8. Flory Lisa
9. Joycelyn Taurikeni
10. Florence Tina

They will only be allowed to compete at the Melanesian championship and but will not participate in the second leg of the grand prix.

The Squad is expected to leave for Cairns on the 13th of August 2007. AS is expecting the contingent to do really well in at the championship and Rara said there are real chances the team may come back with medals for our country. He said that some in the squad for Melanesia championship are also selected for the South Pacific Games to be held in Apia Samoa, later in August 2007.