PM DECLARES GAMES VILLAGES OPEN FOR USE

The Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP and Minister for Pacific Games 2023 today declared the Pacific Games villages open during the Commissioning Service of Team Solomon for the 17^th edition of the 2023 Pacific Games.

PM Sogavare re- echoed that all the Six identified Pacific Games villages have been handed to the Solomon Islands government and the National Hosting Authority (NHA). These will be the homes of athletes and officials during the two weeks of games festivity.

PM Sogavare added that it was a privilege for him to receive the games venues and villages at their completion. Further adding, that they have not been declared open for use for the 2023 Pacific Games.

“Therefore, it is my great honor, and privilege, in my capacity as the Minister responsible for the 2023 Pacific Games, and as Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, to declare that ‘all our Games Venues and Games Villages are now Open in readiness for use during the 17^th Pacific Games which will officially open on 19 November 2023 and close on 2 December 2023,” the Prime Minister declared.

PM Sogavare further added that he pray Almighty God will protect the games venues and games villages and shower Heavenly blessings on every person that use the venues and are accommodated in the villages.

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to everyone who always attended church services every three months to the commissioning service today.

PM Sogavare thanked the Dean and management of the St. Barnabas Cathedral for hosting the quarterly thanksgiving service. Adding that another thanksgiving and decommissioning service will take place after the games on Sunday 10^th December 2023.

The Prime Minister stated that the commissioning service for Team Solomon- men and women- who will represent the country during the games is a significant milestone for our country.

PM Sogavare acknowledge the Minister of Home Affairs whose portfolio includes being the minister of Sports, for hosting the final thanksgiving service to commission and dedicate the Team Solomon for the 17^th Pacific Games.

The Prime Minister made commendation to Reverend Bishop Maefonea for his inspirational message delivered to encourage the team to focus on their goal, self-control, self-discipline, compete, win and make Solomon Islands proud. That gesture was extended to His Excellency the Governor General and the Minister of Home Affairs for their respective inspirational messages to the team at the conclusion of the Team Solomon parade on Friday morning.

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