Solomon Islands’ welcomed the Pacific to Honiara last night in an epic and packed intriguing ceremony filled with cheers and emotional moments as PM Sogavare opened the 17th Pacific Games.
Solomon Islanders exhibited to the Pacific its own version of welcome influenced by its rich traditions and diversity blended with today’s culture in a classic show in its first Pacific Games.

With thousands streaming early in the afternoon into the stadium, a sea of flags dominated by the green, yellow and blue was visible in the National Stadium before the sunset.
Under the theme, Umi Na Umi meaning “We and Us” intended to celebrate Pacific Islands unity and diverse culture. It started from Samoa’s grand-entry and ending with Solomon Islands landmark entrance that drawn the biggest applaud, cheers, tears as the Go Solo Go music echoed at the background.
With a sea of green, yellow, blue streamed across the field, the stadium erupted into joy on its feet with the longest cheer for around 10 minutes as the hosts took centre stage.
“This is it,” one cheering mother shouted. “Go Solo go,” another cheered as tears coming down her eyes.
As for Sogavare, it was about Solomon Islands telling its story to the world.
“Tonight, we take the first step in telling our story to the whole world.
