The two-day sports tournament organized by the Fijian contingent in the Solomons in partnership with the Community and Religious leaders in Burns Creek, business houses in Honiara and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force got off to a great start yesterday at the Burns Creek sports ground.
Chief Guest for the event Mrs Paulini Tamaninuve from the University of the South Pacific (USP) Solomon Island Campus said she was honoured to officially open the sporting event.
Mrs Tamaninuve said she acknowledged the great work of the organizer of the event. “With the same sentiment in building our beloved Solomon Islands this two-day tournament will open doors to many opportunities ahead.”
“The theme for today is ‘we can’t build the future for our youths but we can build our youths for the future.’ This theme could not be more relevant and timely in these unprecedented times when our youths are suppressed and marginalised. We need to change our perception of our youths and recognise the potentials for building up a better and peaceful Solomon Islands."
The USP Lecturer said that while the tournament may look too basic the impact will however positively contribute to social, economic, health and culture.
“Therefore, the two-day soccer and volleyball tournament will not only provide an outlet of recreation and reduction of social tension but it will be a means of inspiration for young people to be resilient.”
The youths were finally challenged to remain optimistic and chase their dreams and make a difference in their homes, communities and the nation at large.
The tournament has drawn a huge crowd as teams and supporters cheer for their teams. Defence personnel from both the Australian and New Zealand Defence Force also attended the event as they continue to support the Solomon International Assisting Force on community engagement.
Source: Republic of Fiji Military Forces