The Solomon Islands Bilikiki beach soccer team has been invited to participate at the upcoming World Beach Games. The ANOC 2019 World Beach Games will be hosted by the Qatar Olympic Committee.
The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) is an international organization that affiliates the current 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The National Olympic Committee Solomon Islands (NOCSI) is an affiliate and will be sending the Bilikiki beach soccer team.
ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg said: “Work has been continuing to ensure our inaugural ANOC World Beach Games is a universal, elite event, with more world-class athletes from around the world qualifying every week.
“The Games was conceived with the needs of NOCs and athletes in mind, and ANOC is in no doubt that the decision to relocate the inaugural edition to Qatar makes prudent financial and sporting sense.
“We are delighted to have established a partnership with the highly experienced team at the Qatar Olympic Committee, backed up with the enthusiastic support of the Qatar government.”
Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President William Lai said participating in the World Beach Games is a boost to beach soccer as a sport to be included in the 2023 Pacific Games.
“I hope NOCSI will endorse Bilikiki to take part in the World Beach Games as we are starting our road to 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara,” Lai said.
“While we know that beach soccer may be included in 2023, but as far as SIFF is concerned, all requirements from OFC has been endorsed.
“NOCSI please do your part and do not waste the opportunity to get a medal. SIFF on its part will do its best to prepare our beach soccer team for 2023.”