BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government Sports Division is intensifying preparations for the upcoming Guadalcanal Provincial Games 2026 scheduled to take place next week as part of preparations towards the Solomon Games.
Youth and Sports Coordinator for Guadalcanal Province, Mr Alphey Lelosaia, said preparations are already underway despite time constraints faced by organisers.
Mr Lelosaia said the provincial games aim to empower youths through sports participation and at the same time, identify athletes to represent Guadalcanal Province at the Solomon Games next month.
“The main objective for this year’s games is to empower the youth through sports by encouraging them to participate in sporting activities, stay engaged and prepare towards the Solomon Games happening from July 6th to 10th,” he said.
Mr Lelosaia said the province expects to organise seven sporting codes, while the final number of participating teams is yet to be confirmed as registration remains open.
The sporting codes listed in the official notice include athletics, 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, netball, rugby sevens, volleyball and taekwondo.
He clarified that the seven sporting codes are the only approved sports endorsed and funded by the Solomon Islands National Sports Council (SINSC), meaning no additional sports will be added to the programme.
“Those seven sports are the approved sporting codes by the National Sports Council, which funds the games. Therefore, we at the provincial level do not have the authority to include or leave out any sporting code approved by the council,” Mr Lelosaia said.
He acknowledged public queries surrounding the absence of soccer from the games programme, saying the decision rests entirely with the National Sports Council.
“Even we asked the same question because Solomon Islands is a soccer-loving country, however soccer was not approved or funded for these games by the National Sports Council,” he said.
Mr Lelosaia added that the Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s role is mainly to coordinate and administer the event on behalf of SINSC.
“The provincial government does not fund the games. The event is fully funded by the National Sports Council, while the province coordinates and administers the games,” he said.
Proposed venues for the games include St Joseph’s Tenaru School, the eastern side of the National Stadium and SINIS.
Mr Lelosaia said the games also serve as a selection pathway for athletes hoping to secure spots in Guadalcanal’s final Solomon Games squad.
“During the sporting event, officials will conduct assessments and selections for the final squad that will represent Guadalcanal Province in the Solomon Games,” he said.
He said preparations currently include organising venues, accommodation and transportation for athletes travelling from rural communities into Honiara.
“We are arranging accommodation and venues while also organising transportation for players travelling from villages to town and to the venues,” Mr Lelosaia said.
He also acknowledged several challenges affecting preparations, including limited preparation time and communication difficulties in remote parts of Guadalcanal Province.
“One of the major challenges is the limited time available for preparations because the Sports Council provided short notice for the event.
“Some rural areas still do not have proper phone network coverage and that affects communication and coordination, which are very important when organising a provincial-wide sporting event.” he said.
Mr Lelosaia revealed that some constituencies may not participate due to the short notice period but organisers remain hopeful more teams will register before the games begin.
“So far around five constituencies may not be able to participate because notices did not reach them in time, however we remain hopeful that more teams will register and that we will successfully organise the games,” he said.
He also encourages young athletes throughout Guadalcanal Province to remain active and committed to sports.
“We would like to encourage young athletes to stay engaged, stay involved and focus on positive priorities that best suit their lives. Sports help them stay fit, healthy and at the same time contribute to the development of sports within the province,” Mr Lelosaia added.
Meanwhile, organisers say further details and updates regarding the games will be made available as the event unfolds next week.
The Guadalcanal Provincial Games is an annual programme supported through the National Sports Council and serves as a key pathway to prepare provincial athletes for national competitions including the Solomon Games.
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