[Published on Tuesday, 30 June 2026]
BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Hamilton, NZ
TAVULEA Village in North-East Ngella, Central Province, is gearing up to host football teams from across the Belaga District for the Ward 7 Independence Day Seven-a-Side Knockout Tournament, which will run from July 6 to 10.
Held under the theme “Youth Engagement Through Sports” the tournament aims to unite football communities across Ngella in celebrating the Solomon Islands’ 48th Independence Anniversary through a week of competitive football, fellowship and community celebration.
Event coordinator and organiser, Daniel Kakadi, confirmed the tournament to SunSPORTS yesterday, saying preparations are well underway and the host community is ready to welcome participating teams.
Kakadi said the organisers are honoured to have the Provincial Premier and members of the provincial executive expected to attend the official opening ceremony.
“We will also have officials travelling from Honiara to officiate the matches,” he said.
Team registration remains open until July 4. However, Kakadi said teams that are unable to register beforehand will still be allowed to complete their registration upon arrival. The registration fee is $150 per team.
He encourages teams to arrive on Sunday, July 5, ahead of the tournament’s opening matches on Monday.
“The Tavulea community is ready to welcome all participating teams. Just bring your teams and come celebrate this year’s Independence through sport. Together we can promote good sportsmanship, strengthen unity within our communities and positively engage our young people through football,” Kakadi said.
Meanwhile, a soft Independence Day programme will be marked on Monday morning before the tournament officially gets underway.
For further information, interested teams can contact the coordinator on 7587239.
Prize breakdown for the top four teams is as follows:
Champions: $1,500
Runners-up: $1,000
Third place: $500
Fourth place: $300
Photo credit: Richard Sapia
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