Fiji win sends Solomon Islands out as Bonitos settle for draw with PNG
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands’ hopes of reaching the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final ended in Suva yesterday after the Bonitos were held to a 1-1 draw by Papua New Guinea before Fiji defeated New Caledonia 2-1 in the night’s second match.
The results left Vanuatu and Fiji on seven points each, with Solomon Islands finishing third on six points. Papua New Guinea ended on four, while New Caledonia finished on three.
According to the competition format confirmed by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), the top two teams after the round-robin stage qualify for the October 3 final.
The Bonitos went into the final round knowing that victory over PNG would guarantee their place in the decider, while a draw would leave their fate dependent on the result of Fiji’s later encounter with New Caledonia.
They could only manage a share of the points against the Kapuls.
The 1-1 result lifted Solomon Islands to six points from four matches, leaving them needing New Caledonia to deny the hosts in the second match.
That hope, however, vanished when Fiji secured a 2-1 victory to collect three valuable points and move level with Vanuatu at the top of the standings.
Fiji had entered the final day on four points after their 2-0 victory over PNG on Sunday, while New Caledonia came into the match on three points. The Fijians’ win therefore took them to seven points and secured their place in Saturday’s final alongside defending champions Vanuatu.
The result was particularly disappointing for Solomon Islands after an unbeaten opening three matches had put Ben Cahn’s side in a strong position.
The Bonitos opened the campaign with a 3-3 draw against Fiji before defeating New Caledonia 2-0. They then fought back three times against Vanuatu to earn another 3-3 draw, with captain Javin Wae scoring late to rescue a point. Fiji FA previously reported that result as a six-goal thriller.
Those results had placed Solomon Islands on five points heading into yesterday’s final round, behind Vanuatu but ahead of Fiji, PNG and New Caledonia.
However, the final round produced the two results the Bonitos could not afford — their own draw and a Fiji victory.
For Cahn’s side, the tournament ends without a defeat, but also without the final appearance they had been chasing.
The 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup features Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, with each side playing four round-robin matches. OFC confirmed before the tournament that the top two teams would meet in the October 3 final. The competition was revitalised in 2022 and this year marks its fifth successive edition.
Photo credit: Fiji Football Association
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
Unsponsored St. Dominic Athletics Club Dominates National Championship with Massive 47-Medal Tally
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
ST. DOMINIC Athletics Club has cemented its position as the premier track and field club in the Solomon Islands, topping the official medal tally to capture the overall title at the conclusion of the three-day Athletics National Championship at the National Stadium yesterday.
Official results released by the National Sports Council (NSC) media confirmed that the young club finished the championship at the top of the standings with an impressive haul of 47 medals—comprising 23 gold, 13 silver, and 11 bronze.
The massive medal collection comes despite the club operating entirely without corporate sponsorship, fielding up to 40 athletes across every single discipline to secure maximum points over the three days of competition.
Speaking following the victory, national middle-distance runner and St. Dominic leader Stephen Rahuasi expressed immense pride in the squad’s performance despite their off-track financial struggles.
“I am very happy and proud of St. Dominic Athletics Club,” Rahuasi said. “Without any sponsors, we have been struggling on our own to manage the club. We have up to 40 athletes now. It was not easy, but we came out on top overall.”
Rahuasi explained that the club entered the national meet with a clear, strategic objective: to ensure no track or field event was left unentered.
“Our mindset coming into this competition was strictly focused on winning the overall title,” he shared. “Our strategy was to ensure we didn’t leave any event unentered. We made sure we had athletes competing in every single event, which allowed us to collect a large tally of medals.”
Highlighting the growth of the young squad, Rahuasi commended the dedication of the up-and-coming athletes who continue to elevate their performance each year.
“I am so proud of our young athletes,” he added. “They gave it their best and have improved significantly since we first started.”
St. Dominic Athletics Club was founded by senior Solomon Islands athletes to address the lack of development structures in local athletics. Operating as a grassroots initiative, the club relies entirely on self-management and community support to train and equip dozens of local athletes for national track and field events.
Photo credit: NSC
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
Solomon Islands face PNG in crucial MSG Cup decider
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands will face Papua New Guinea in a crucial final round-robin clash of the MSG Prime Ministers Cup at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this afternoon.
According to FFA, Oceania Football Association and OFC, the match kicks off at 4pm Fiji time (3pm Solomon Islands time), with the Solomon Islands needing a strong result to keep their place in Saturday’s final within reach.
The latest standings have Vanuatu leading on seven points, followed by Solomon Islands on five, Fiji on four, and Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia on three points each. Vanuatu moved to the top after beating New Caledonia 4-1 on Sunday.
That leaves the Solomon Islands with a clear but demanding task. A win over PNG would take them to eight points and guarantee a place in the October 3 final. A draw would take them to six points, but they would then need Fiji to drop points against New Caledonia later today to finish inside the top two.
PNG, meanwhile, are also fighting for survival in the final race after suffering defeats to New Caledonia and Fiji following their opening 2-1 comeback win over defending champions Vanuatu. Fiji beat PNG 2-0 on Sunday, leaving the Kapuls on three points heading into their final match.
Solomon Islands remain unbeaten after three matches, having drawn 3-3 with Fiji, defeated New Caledonia 2-0 and then shared another 3-3 thriller with Vanuatu.
Against Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands came from behind three times, with Don Keana, Raphael Lea’i and captain Javin Wae finding the net. Wae’s 86th-minute equaliser secured another valuable point for Ben Cahn’s side. Fiji FA described the encounter as a six-goal thriller.
The Solomon Islands have scored eight goals in three matches but have also conceded six, making defensive discipline an important focus against a PNG side that will be desperate to keep its final hopes alive.
For PNG, the match represents one last opportunity to climb the standings, while Solomon Islands know victory would remove the uncertainty and book their place in the decider.
The MSG Prime Ministers Cup features Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia, with each team playing the others once before the top two meet in the final. OFC confirmed the competition is the fifth edition since the tournament was revived in 2022.
Solomon Islands are chasing a place in the October 3 final after an unbeaten opening three matches. Vanuatu have already completed their four round-robin games and sit top on seven points, leaving the Bonitos, PNG and Fiji to battle for the remaining final position in today’s decisive fixtures.
Photo credit: Fiji Football Association
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
Athletics championship opens pathway to 2027 Pacific Games selection
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The race for places in the Solomon Islands athletics squad for next year’s Pacific Games has officially begun, with the national athletics championship underway yesterday at the National Stadium in Honiara.
The three-day championship, running from September 28–30, has brought together athletes from Honiara clubs and several provinces, with performances being closely watched as Athletics Solomon begins its selection process for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.
According to Athletics Solomon president Michael Kuali, the championship is the first of a series of trials that will help identify athletes who could be developed into the national squad, with further time trials planned later this year and early next year.
“This competition is very important. It is to scout any possible athletes and select them to start training for the upcoming Tahiti Pacific Games,” Kuali said.
Athletes from Western, Malaita, Guadalcanal and Central Islands provinces are competing alongside representatives from Honiara clubs, giving the championship a broad national representation.
Kuali said Athletics Solomon is hoping the three-day competition will produce performances that can help identify athletes with the potential to progress into the national preparation squad.
“We will look forward for some good results, whereby we can pick up athletes,” he said.
Among those chasing a possible place in the national setup is 19-year-old Joseph Kilalo of St Dominic Club, who is competing in the 100m, 200m and high jump.
Kilalo made an early impression yesterday by winning the men’s high jump with a clearance of 1.55 metres.
“I am very excited to compete in this year’s championship and hope to do my best to be selected for the squad to compete in the upcoming Pacific Games next year,” Kilalo said.
Western Province representative Vealila Rolland is another athlete using the championship as an opportunity to test herself against wider competition, with the 10,000m and 1,500m among her events.
The championship also provides an important platform for younger athletes, with Under-16 competitors taking part under the same programme.
Day One produced several notable performances, including Mirriam Tura’s victory in the women’s 800m. The 14-year-old Guadalcanal athlete clocked 2:48.57 to finish ahead of Western Province’s Rinah Kabolo, 16, who ran 2:50.57.
Guadalcanal’s 11-year-old Julies Kabolo was third in 2:50.58.
In the men’s 800m, St Dominic’s Stephen Rahuasi took first place in 1:59.62, while Namsta Club’s Gabriel Ini, 16, finished second in 2:00.55.
The women’s 100m title went to Namsta Club’s Santy Kako in 13.40 seconds, with Julian Sosimo of St Dominic second in 13.78 and 16-year-old Jian Farobo third in 14.01.
The championship continues today with the 1,500m, long jump, 400m heats, discus, 200m heats, hurdles and 4x100m relays among the events scheduled before Wednesday’s final programme.
The three-day meet is being hosted by Athletics Solomon with support from the National Sports Council and other stakeholders.
It is expected to form an important early step in building the pool of athletes from which Solomon Islands’ 2027 Pacific Games team can eventually be selected.
Photo credit: NSC
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
Senior side set for international friendlies and futsal partnership talks
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Brilliant Bullets Futsal Club’s senior men’s side has departed Solomon Islands for Vanuatu, where the club will play a series of international friendly matches against top Vanuatu futsal clubs.
The tour is also expected to open the door for greater cooperation between Brilliant Bullets and the Vanuatu futsal community, with the Solomon Islands club planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the visit.
According to the club, the proposed MOU will focus on mutual interests between Brilliant Bullets Futsal School of Excellence and its Vanuatu counterparts, including opportunities for player exchanges and participation in international competitions.
The international tour comes after the Brilliant Bullets senior boys completed their final domestic preparations with two convincing friendly-match victories.
They defeated Haura FC 4-2 before beating Kukstaon FC 4-1 in another preparation match, giving the squad a positive boost ahead of its overseas assignment.
The club thanked both Haura FC and Kukstaon FC for providing competitive opposition as the team prepared for the Vanuatu tour.
In a departure message posted on its social media platform yesterday, Brilliant Bullets said the team was leaving the country despite changes to its flight schedule.
The club said the players had worked hard and remained committed throughout their preparations for the tour.
The Vanuatu trip represents another step in Brilliant Bullets’ efforts to expose its players to international competition while building relationships with futsal clubs outside Solomon Islands.
The senior boys are expected to play their international friendlies against Vanuatu clubs during the tour, with the proposed partnership also aimed at creating further opportunities for players from both countries.
Photo: Supplied
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
Tura, Rahuasi lead opening athletics results at National Stadium
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Mirriam Tura and Stephen Rahuasi were among the standout performers as the Athletics National Championship produced its first batch of winners at the National Stadium yesterday.
Tura, 14, claimed the women’s 800m title for Guadalcanal Province after stopping the clock at 2:48.57, edging Western Province’s Rinah Kabolo, 16, who finished second in 2:50.57.
According to results released by the National Sports Council (NSC), Guadalcanal’s 11-year-old Julies Kabolo completed the podium in 2:50.58.
The opening day also saw strong performances from St Dominic Athletics Club, with Joseph Kilalo, Stephen Rahuasi and Julian Sosimo all featuring prominently among the day’s medal winners.
Kilalo won the men’s high jump after clearing 1.55m, while his St Dominic teammates George Augustus and Moses Rafera both cleared 1.50m.
Augustus, 17, secured second place by clearing the height on his first attempt, while Rafera, also 17, took third after succeeding on his last attempt.
Rahuasi, 24, added another St Dominic victory in the men’s 800m, winning in 1:59.62.
Namsta Club’s Gabriel Ini, 16, was second in 2:00.55, while St Dominic’s Leslie Silas, 19, finished third in 2:02.83.
In the women’s javelin, Julian Sosimo claimed gold with a throw of 34.67m.
Santy Kako of Namsta Club finished second with 30.85m, while Malaita Province representative Gloria Musuota placed third after recording 23.27m.
Kako later returned to the track to win the women’s 100m final in 13.40 seconds.
Sosimo completed a second podium appearance by taking silver in 13.78 seconds, while St Dominic’s 16-year-old Jian Farobo finished third in 14.01.
The results formed part of the opening day of the three-day national championship, which is being used by Athletics Solomon as an early platform to identify athletes for further training towards the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.
The championship has attracted athletes from Honiara clubs and provinces including Guadalcanal, Western, Malaita and Central Islands, with Under-16 athletes also competing.
Competition continues today with the 1,500m finals, long jump, 400m heats, discus, 200m heats, hurdles and relay events, before the championship concludes tomorrow.
With further trials planned later this year and early next year, the performances at the National Stadium represent the first opportunity for athletes to put their names forward in the wider Pacific Games selection pathway.
Photo credit: NSC Media
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
Coaches and officials in Solomon Islands have completed first aid and sports trainer training delivered by St John Ambulance Solomon Islands and an Australian Defence Force accredited trainer, the Australian High Commission said.
The Australian Defence Force International Sports Program has returned to Honiara with volleyball, hockey, netball and tennis, the Australian High Commission said, with police and local sporting groups taking part in coaching and officiating training.
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands cricket coach Carlton Tisa has become only the second Solomon Islander to achieve the International Cricket Council (ICC) Level 1 coaching qualification.
Tisa successfully completed the ICC Level 1 Coaching Course conducted in Brisbane, Australia, from August 4 to 6 this year.
The Solomon Islands Cricket Federation (SICF) recently announced the achievement, congratulating Tisa on completing the qualification and recognising the milestone for Solomon Islands cricket.
Carlton Tisa (right) poses with a fellow participant during the ICC Level 1 Coaching Course in Brisbane, Australia. Photo SICF
“We are proud to announce that Carlton Tisa has successfully completed the ICC Level 1 Coaching Course, becoming only the second Solomon Islander to achieve this qualification,” the federation said.
The federation also revealed that two more participants are currently awaiting their certificates, while extending its congratulations to all the coaches involved in the programme.
SICF also acknowledged ICC Regional Director Toby Cohen for his support and the opportunity provided, while thanking the federation for helping make the coaching programme possible.
Tisa’s achievement adds to the growing pool of locally qualified cricket coaches and provides another boost to coaching development in Solomon Islands cricket.
[Carlton Tisa pictured during the ICC Level 1 Coaching Course in Brisbane, Australia, where he successfully completed the qualification from August 4–6, 2026. Photo: Solomon Islands Cricket Federation – SICF]
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Solomon Islands is looking to strengthen its rugby sevens development through a new partnership with the United Kingdom, following the visit of former England international Ben Gollings to Honiara last week.
A statement from the British High Commission in Honiara, said that Gollings was in Honiara at the invitation of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF), where he met and coached teams competing in the Solomon Ports National 7s Rugby Championship.
His visit is aimed at building stronger rugby links between Solomon Islands and the UK, with a particular focus on developing young players in rugby sevens.
British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E Paul Turner, hosted Gollings at his residence on Thursday to discuss opportunities for expanding rugby cooperation between the two countries.
One of the key areas discussed was creating opportunities for Solomon Islands players to travel to Melrose in Scotland for further exposure and development.
Melrose is recognised as the birthplace of rugby sevens, with the sport originating there about 140 years ago before growing into a global game.
High Commissioner Turner said Rugby Sevens was well suited to Solomon Islands because it is relatively easy to organise and accessible to a wide range of players.
He also expressed hope that the sport could develop strongly in Solomon Islands, similar to its growth and popularity in Fiji.
Gollings brings extensive international experience to the partnership.
He coached Fiji’s national rugby sevens team when they won the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2022.
As a player, he represented England in both 15-a-side rugby and rugby sevens and became England’s leading points scorer in international sevens, accumulating more than 2,600 points during his international and club career.
He retired from playing in 2011.
His visit to Solomon Islands provides an opportunity to share his experience with local players and coaches while exploring longer-term pathways for the development of rugby sevens in the country.
[Photo: Practise session for H.E Paul Turner with coach Ben Gollings.High Commissioner, Turner hosted Gollings at his Residence on Thursday last week. Photo credit: BHC.]
Jennifer Mark of Solomon Islands is among the participants in the 2026/27 Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis programme, held in Fiji from 13 to 18 September, Tennis Australia said.
Canoe Lager Honiara City Dart League 2026 launches with a record 43 teams competing across three divisions. The& Lager Honiara City Dart League 2026& officially underway after it’s official launch by the& City Dart Association (HCDA)& Sunday night at the Pacific Crown Hotel. Adding sparkle to the season,& Breweries Limited& as platinum sponsor, proudly securing [...]
The post Dart Fever Hits Honiara! Canoe Lager Honiara City Dart League gets underway appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Malaita side holds nerve to edge New Georgia 22–17
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
MALAITA SUBI have reclaimed the senior women’s National Rugby 7s championship after surviving a thrilling 22–17 grand-final battle against New Georgia at Town Ground Rugby Stadium on Friday.
The final was locked at 17–17 before Subi produced the crucial score in the closing stages to regain the lead and hold on for the championship.
Subi captain Madlyn Maefunu credited the team’s unity, communication and determination for getting them through the tightly contested final.
“It was a bit tough for us with tackling and defence. So, we focused on one mindset: to never give up and keep pushing the ball forward,” Maefunu said.
She said the team’s performance was built around strong communication and an ability to move the ball effectively.
“It was our team ethics today. We kept passing the ball end-to-end smoothly without getting caught or hit. We communicated and stayed united with one mind,” she said.
The captain said the players, coach, support crew and Malaita supporters all played an important role in the championship campaign.
“Everyone—our players, coach, support crew, and all our Malaita supporters—tried their best,” Maefunu said.
The victory was particularly significant for Subi as it marked their second senior women’s championship title.
“Being champions means a lot to our team and our players. This is our second time taking the championship title,” Maefunu said.
She also thanked the supporters and families who turned out to cheer the side during the tournament.
The senior women’s final was among the closely contested matches that highlighted three days of rugby 7s action, with supporters turning up in numbers as the competition progressed towards its semi-finals and grand finals.
[Photo Caption: Malaita Subi and New Georgia players battle for possession during their tightly contested Solomon Ports National Rugby 7s senior women’s grand final at Rove Rugby Stadium on Friday. Photo credit: Richard Menanopo]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON PORTS has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting rugby development in Solomon Islands following three days of National Rugby 7s competition at Town Ground Rugby Stadium.
Speaking at the tournament’s prize presentation, a Solomon Ports representative said the company was proud to remain the major sponsor of the event and viewed its partnership with the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation as part of its wider community contribution.
“Solomon Ports is very proud to be the major sponsor for this event,” the representative said.
“As one of the largest state-owned enterprises in the Solomon Islands, we are happy to support SIRUF in the development of rugby as one of the main sports in the country.”
The representative said Solomon Ports had supported rugby for a long time and looked forward to continuing the partnership.
He also thanked the teams, players and supporters whose participation and presence contributed to the tournament’s atmosphere.
“You have made this tournament a success, very enjoyable, and the support was really good,” he said.
The sponsor also acknowledged overseas players and guests who accepted invitations to participate and share their experience with local players.
The representative said Solomon Ports’ support formed part of its corporate social responsibility focus on youth development, community engagement and the growth of sport in Solomon Islands.
SIRUF vice-president of development Moses Tepai also thanked the tournament’s sponsors, officials, volunteers, coaches, trainers, referees, players and supporters during the closing programme.
“It’s been three long, hard days,” Tepai said, while describing the tournament as another successful event but noting there was still room for improvement.
He urged sponsors to continue supporting rugby and said the tournament also served an important national-team purpose.
According to Tepai, the women’s competition was used to help identify players for the Solomon Islands side that will travel to New Zealand next month for the Oceania Sevens, with the names expected to be announced next week.
The three-day competition brought together school and senior teams in a combined National 7s championship, concluding with prize presentations for the participating categories.
Former England Rugby international, Ben Gollings, was in Honiara last week, as a guest of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation.
He was meeting and coaching teams involved in the Solomon Ports National Sevens Rugby Championship.
Gollings hopes it’s the start of a strengthened partnership between the UK and Solomon Islands on Rugby Union.
British High Commissioner, Paul Turner hosted Gollings at his Residence on Thursday where they discussed plans for increasing Rugby links between Solomon Islands and the UK.
Gollings was focused on building up youth Rugby Sevens in the country and was keen to look for opportunities to send Solomon Islands players to Melrose in Scotland.
Melrose is the home of Rugby Sevens, founded 140 years ago, and from where it has grown to become a global sport.
High Commissioner Turner said Rugby Sevens was well suited for Solomons given the ease with which the game can be organised and its accessibility. The High Commissioner said he hoped Sevens would take off the same way it has in Fiji.
Gollings was the national coach for the Fiji Rugby Sevens Team when they won the World Cup in 2022.
As a player, Gollings played both Rugby Union 15s and Rugby Sevens. He was England’s top scorer in Rugby Sevens, scoring over 2,600 points, in a distinguished international and club career. He retired in 2011.
ENDS//
– BHC Honiara
The post Good play! – UK partners with Solomons on Rugby 7s first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Solomon Islands bow out after 2-0 loss to Samoa
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands ended their OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026 campaign without a win after going down 2-0 to Samoa at the National Stadium in Honiara yesterday.
The home side, playing their final match of the tournament, struggled to find the back of the net as Samoa scored once in each half to secure fifth place and end their own campaign on a winning note.
According to OFC Media’s post-match report, Samoa captain Taimane Devoux was instrumental in the victory, setting up the opening goal before scoring the second herself.
Solomon Islands stayed in the contest during the opening stages, but Samoa eventually found the breakthrough in the 34th minute.
Devoux created the opening with a cutback into the box for Brooklyn Leaupepe-Nickel, who finished from close range into the top-right corner to give Samoa a 1-0 advantage at halftime.
The Solomon Islands side needed a response after the break, but instead found themselves further behind in the 57th minute.
A delivery into the box was not cleared and Devoux pounced on the loose ball, sending a half-volley into the top-left corner to double Samoa’s lead.
Solomon Islands continued to search for a way back into the match but were unable to convert their opportunities.
Substitute Fred Toro Mau came closest to getting the hosts on the scoresheet in the final 10 minutes, forcing Samoa goalkeeper Susahna Peacock into a close-range save.
The late effort proved to be one of the few clear openings for Solomon Islands as Samoa held on to claim the 2-0 victory.
For the Solomon Islands U-16 women’s team, the defeat brought their home tournament to an end without a victory from four matches.
Samoa, meanwhile, finished fifth and recorded their second successive win over Solomon Islands at this level, having defeated the hosts 5-0 in last year’s semi-final.
Despite the result, the tournament provided another important international experience for the young Solomon Islands players, who now turn their attention to future competitions at age-group level.
The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship also served as the pathway to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2027, with Oceania’s qualifying places determined through the tournament.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Twenty young students from Charles Dausabea Primary School are gradually overcoming their fear of the water as they take part in an eight-week Learn to Swim programme at the National Aquatic Centre.
The students are attending weekly swimming sessions every Wednesday and are now into their second week of training after starting the programme last week.
The National Sports Council (NSC), through its National Aquatic Centre, said the programme is designed to help children develop water confidence, fundamental swimming abilities and greater awareness of water safety.
For some of the Dausabea students, however, simply getting into the pool was initially a challenge.
Dausabea Primary School Deputy Headmistress Mirriam Daoga Panda said many of the participating students had little or no swimming experience before joining the programme and were initially frightened of entering the pool.
With encouragement from the NSC swimming trainers, the students are now beginning to feel more comfortable in the water.
“The children joining the programme are very happy, because most of them do not know how to swim,” said Panda.
The 20 students were selected from different year levels, with most coming from Grades One and Two, while two students are from Grades Four and Five.
Panda said the programme is providing the children with an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that extend beyond their normal classroom learning.
“Children do not only go to school to learn the curriculum, but also to help them develop important life skills, and swimming is one of those important skills,” she said.
The sessions cover basic areas such as breathing, floating and kicking, while gradually introducing stroke development, basic survival skills and safe behaviour around water.
For the young participants, the programme represents more than simply learning to swim.
It is also helping them to overcome an early fear of the water while developing confidence that could prove valuable both in and outside the pool.
Panda thanked the NSC and staff at the National Aquatic Centre for providing the opportunity and said she hopes more schools will take advantage of similar programmes.
She also believes the initiative could eventually encourage some children to take a greater interest in swimming as a sport.
The Learn to Swim initiative is being delivered as a pilot programme at the National Aquatic Centre, with Dausabea becoming the second school to participate.
The eight-week programme forms part of the NSC’s efforts to give children access to structured swimming activities while developing water confidence and essential safety skills from an early age.
Photo credit: NSC
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
作者:理查德·梅纳诺波
来自查尔斯·道萨比亚小学的二十名年轻学生正在逐渐克服对水的恐惧,参加为期八周的游泳学习项目,地点在国家水上中心。
学生们每周三参加游泳课程,目前已进入第二周的训练,项目上周刚开始。
国家体育委员会(NSC)通过其国家水上中心表示,该项目旨在帮助儿童培养水中自信、基本游泳能力以及对水安全的更高意识。
然而,对于一些道萨比亚的学生来说,最初进入泳池本身就是一个挑战。
道萨比亚小学副校长米里亚姆·道加·潘达表示,许多参与的学生在加入该项目之前几乎没有游泳经验,最初对进入泳池感到害怕。
在NSC游泳教练的鼓励下,学生们现在开始在水中感到更加舒适。
潘达说:“参加该项目的孩子们非常开心,因为他们中的大多数不会游泳。”
这20名学生来自不同年级,大多数来自 Year 1和 Year 2,另外两名学生来自 Year 4和 Year 5。
潘达表示,该项目为孩子们提供了获取超出正常课堂学习的知识和技能的机会。
“孩子们上学不仅是为了学习课程,还为了帮助他们发展重要的生活技能,而游泳就是其中一项重要技能,”她说。
课程涵盖了基本的呼吸、漂浮和踢腿等内容,同时逐步引入泳姿发展、基本生存技能以及水边安全行为。
对于这些年轻参与者来说,该项目不仅仅是学习游泳。
它还帮助他们克服对水的早期恐惧,同时培养出在泳池内外都可能有价值的自信心。
潘达感谢NSC和国家水上中心的工作人员提供这个机会,并表示希望更多学校能利用类似的项目。
她还相信,该倡议最终可能会鼓励一些孩子对游泳这项运动产生更大的兴趣。
游泳学习倡议作为国家水上中心的试点项目进行,道萨比亚成为第二所参与的学校。
为期八周的项目是NSC努力让儿童接触结构化游泳活动的一部分,同时从小培养水中自信和基本安全技能。
照片来源:NSC
反馈请联系:mnorichard4@gmail.com
编辑:irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
USOTASI head coach Clayton Tuimaka has identified defensive communication and discipline as the main areas his side must address after a difficult opening day at the Solomon Ports National 7s Rugby Championship yesterday.
Usotasi fought hard against Covenant RC in their final match of Day 1, with the two sides locked at 5–5 before Covenant pulled away to secure a 20–5 victory.
Tuimaka said the match was decided by errors and poor communication, particularly when his players attempted to slow the game down.
“It was just a misunderstanding and poor communication among our guys, especially on defense,” Tuimaka said.
He said Covenant was quick to punish mistakes when they appeared.
“The difference in the second half was when we tried to slow the game down. Every time we tried to slow it down, we made errors, and Covenant capitalized on those mistakes,” he said.
Despite the defeat, Tuimaka remained positive about his players and said the result did not fully reflect the contest they put up against Covenant.
“I’m proud of the boys. The result doesn’t change that, because I saw how close the match was,” he said.
Tuimaka was also pleased with the way his players regrouped late in the contest to score their final try.
“I’m happy that the boys regrouped toward the end of the game and pulled together to score that last try,” he said.
With Day 2 now underway, the coach said the focus will be on tightening the team’s defence and discipline.
“Our defense is our best tool, and while it didn’t work perfectly today, we will work on it along with our discipline,” Tuimaka said.
“Discipline cost us today, but we will work on that tonight and come back tomorrow.”
The Solomon Ports National 7s Rugby Championship, hosted by the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF), continues at Honiara Rugby Stadium at Town Ground.
[PHOTO CAPTION: Usotasi RC and Covenant RC players engage in a tense scrum during their Solomon Ports National 7s Rugby Championship clash at Town Ground yesterday. Photo credit: Richard Menanopo]
In an inspiring tarmac send-off at Honiara International Airport today, Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale shared a passionate message with the Solomon Islands men’s and women’s national football teams as they departed for Fiji to compete in the prestigious MSG Prime Ministers Cup. & Minutes before boarding his own flight...
The post “GO WITH COURAGE, PLAY WITH PRIDE!” PM Wale Rallies National Football Teams Ahead of MSG Cup appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
在今天霍尼亚拉国际机场的激励性送行仪式上,总理马修·瓦莱(Hon. Matthew Wale)向所罗门群岛男子和女子国家足球队传达了热情的信息,祝他们前往斐济参加备受瞩目的MSG总理杯赛。
在登机前的几分钟......
该文章“勇敢前行,自豪比赛!”总理瓦莱在MSG杯赛前激励国家足球队首次出现在《深入所罗门》上。
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has wished Solomon Islands men’s and women’s national football teams well as they depart for Fiji to compete in the MSG Prime Ministers Cup.
Prime Minister Wale met with members of both national teams at Honiara International Airport today shortly before his own departure for New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The Prime Minister took the opportunity to encourage the players to remain focused, disciplined and united as they prepare to represent Solomon Islands on the regional stage.
“You are going to Fiji carrying the hopes and pride of our people. I encourage you to give your very best, play with courage and discipline and most importantly make Solomon Islands proud,” Prime Minister Wale told the teams.
He reminded the players that representing the national team is an honour and a responsibility and encouraged them to uphold the country’s name both on and off the field.
“Play for each other, respect your opponents and enjoy the experience. Carry our flag with pride,” he said.
He said football remains an important part of national identity and has the power to unite Solomon Islanders, inspire young people and bring communities together.
As he departed for New York, Prime Minister Wale said he would be following the teams’ campaign and looked forward to seeing them return home having given their very best for the nation.
[end]
OPMC statement
The post Go with Courage, Play with Pride: PM Wale to national teams first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Cahn backs Fiji-based midfielder despite missed national camp
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands head coach Ben Cahn has backed Fiji-based midfielder David Supa to join the national team in Fiji for the MSG Cup, despite the player missing the squad’s preparations in Honiara.
Cahn said Supa’s club did not release him to return for the national team camp, but the coach decided it would be unfair to leave the player out because of circumstances beyond his control.
Speaking during a media conference at the SIFF conference room on Monday, Cahn said Supa had wanted to return and prepare with the national side ahead of the tournament.
“We had three players who were playing in Fiji come back for the camp and have trained with us and prepared with us, and one player wasn’t able to get the release from his club, but he will meet us in Fiji.
“It was David Supa. He did very well and was Man of the Match in the semi-final, ” Cahn said.
Cahn said the situation was difficult because the coaching staff had wanted all selected players to be present during the preparation camp.
However, he said Supa should not be punished for his club’s decision not to release him.
“David wanted to come back and be part of the camp and prepare. Given his experience and given his performances in Fiji, we didn’t think it was fair to punish him for the actions of his club,” Cahn said.
Supa’s performances in Fiji also strengthened his case, with Cahn pointing specifically to his displays in the semi-final and final.
“His form in those games, the semi-final and the final, was very strong, so he’ll meet us in Fiji. He deserves that chance,” he said.
The decision means Supa will link up with the national squad in Fiji as Solomon Islands prepares for the MSG Cup, which kicks off in Nadi on Wednesday.
Cahn said the squad selected for the tournament contains a mixture of familiar and experienced players and several new faces, with the coaching staff also looking to broaden the national-team player pool.
The coach said the MSG Cup is the first step in a longer-term programme aimed at building towards the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Solomon Islands is expected to depart for Fiji today, with the MSG Cup running from September 16 to 18.
Photo credit: Solomon Kings FC
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
SIPA backs rugby 7s with $100,000 sponsorship
BY TONY IROGA
SOLOMON Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) has thrown its support behind the national Rugby 7s tournament with $100,000 sponsorship.
The three-day Solomon Ports National Rugby 7s Tournament kicks off today and will conclude on Friday, bringing together teams from around the country, a SIPA statement yesterday said.
The tournament will feature eight association teams and four top local clubs in the men’s competition, four women’s teams and 13 high school teams.
The sponsorship was officially announced at the SIPA headquarters in the presence of SIPA Interim Board Chairman Robert Iroga, Chief Executive Officer George Rausi and Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) representatives, including CEO Alivereti Mocelutu and Vice President Carlwin Tengemoana.
Iroga said Solomon Ports is pleased to support the tournament, stressing the important role sport plays in bringing communities together.
“SIPA believes that through sports we can create good citizens in all sectors of life, especially with young people, and we want to see the widespread development of this sport,” he said.
Rausi said the sponsorship reflects Solomon Ports’ commitment to work with and support the wider community.
“SIPA is not only about the berthing of vessels; it is also about being part of the community. When a port is effective, the community also thrives, and we believe this support will surely go towards its intended purpose,” he said.
Rausi added that SIPA and SIRUF share common values through their efforts to use sport as a means of bringing people together.
“I believe SIPA and SIRUF share the same values when it comes to bringing people together through such initiatives,” he said.
SIRUF CEO Mocelutu thanked Solomon Ports for its continued support towards rugby development in the country.
He described the sponsorship as more than financial assistance, saying it represents an investment in the future of rugby.
“This tournament is about giving opportunities to rugby players in the country, turning challenges into opportunities, especially for our young players,” Mocelutu said.
Solomon Ports has maintained a strong record of supporting rugby and other sporting activities in Solomon Islands.
In 2024, the company was among the major sponsors of the Oceania 7s Tournament held in Honiara.
This year’s National Rugby 7s Tournament is expected to provide players with an important platform to showcase their talent, gain competitive experience and contribute to the continued development of rugby in the country.
SIPA said it remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote youth development, community engagement and the growth of sport in Solomon Islands.
Photo credit: SIPA
For feedback, contact: tonyiroga8@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
National tournament puts new lessons into action
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
THE Solomon Ports National 7s moves from preparation to competition tomorrow when teams converge at Town Ground Rugby Stadium for the opening of the three-day national tournament.
The competition, which runs from September 16 to 18, is expected to provide a major platform for players to compete at national level while giving officials and coaches an immediate opportunity to apply lessons from last week’s specialised training programme.
SIRUF Chief Executive Officer, Alivereti Mocelutu said the referee and coaches training was specifically organised ahead of the National 7s to improve understanding of the laws and strengthen cooperation between those responsible for managing matches.
“We wanted the same thing to be here. That’s why we bring these people here,” Mocelutu said, referring to the international standard of officiating expected in the region.
South African former international referee Rasta Rasivhenge was among the facilitators brought in for the programme, which also involved Fijian referees Tevita Rokovereni and Filimoni Gadolo.
Rasivhenge, who has officiated at international Sevens, said the training was designed to ensure referees and teams could apply the laws correctly while producing a better standard of rugby.
“The most important things they need to take away from all these sessions we’re having are obviously playing the game within the law, refereeing the game within the law, and obviously executing their game plans as much as they can effectively, so that we get a good product out there,” he said.
For long-serving referee Stone Tepeka, the training has also reinforced the importance of managing matches in a way that allows spectators to enjoy the game.
“It’s not only about knowing the law; it’s about managing the game so that it is entertaining and enjoyable to watch,” Tepeka said.
The National 7s also carries a development purpose beyond this week’s competition, with the tournament serving as a pathway towards the Oceania Rugby 7s scheduled for November.
Meanwhile, the High School U18 competition provides another pathway towards the Nadi Junior Rugby Festival in Fiji in December.
With teams now preparing to take the field, attention turns to whether the investment in players, coaches and match officials can translate into a stronger product on the pitch.
Tomorrow’s opening will provide the first answer.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
Cahn says MSG Cup is first step towards long-term World Cup goal
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands men’s national team head coach Ben Cahn has set his sights on the 2030 FIFA World Cup, saying the upcoming Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup in Fiji is an important first step in building towards that goal.
Speaking at a press conference at the SIFF Academy on Monday, Cahn said the long-term objective is to establish a stronger and deeper national-team programme capable of competing for World Cup qualification.
“The long-term goal and the dream is World Cup 2030.
“We saw how well some of the smaller nations did [at the last World Cup], so we’re very serious, working very hard towards trying to do everything we can to achieve that dream of qualification,”Cahn said.
Cahn said developing a wider pool of players will be an important part of the programme, with the coaching staff aiming to have between 50 and 60 players in national-team contention over the next three to four years.
He said players from the S-League, as well as those coming through the national age-group teams, are being monitored as part of the wider selection process.
“There’s lots of players in S-League that didn’t get to come into the camp that we’re still watching, we’re still taking note of,” he said.
Cahn revealed that almost 40 players were involved during the recent training period before the squad was reduced for the MSG Cup.
While the tournament is part of a longer-term plan, Cahn said Solomon Islands will travel to Fiji with a clear objective — to compete for the title.
“The aim is to win,” he said.
The squad is largely made up of familiar and experienced players, while several new faces have also been included.
Cahn also confirmed that two players from the Solomon Islands U-19 side, who narrowly missed out during the recent OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa, are expected to join the squad directly in Fiji.
The national coach also challenged players outside the current squad to continue working hard, including those playing in the S-League, futsal and overseas.
“We’re watching,” Cahn said.
“No one gets the shirt because of a name, they have to earn that.”
The Solomon Islands men’s and women’s national teams are expected to depart for Fiji on Wednesday ahead of the MSG Cup, with both sides set to represent the country in the regional tournament.
The MSG Cup kicks off in Fiji on September 17, with Solomon Islands using the tournament as an early test of the national programme as preparations begin towards the longer-term 2030 World Cup ambition.
The Solomon Islands squad for the MSG Cup was officially announced yesterday following the press conference.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com