BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
FOOTBALL plays an important part in the Solomon Islands’ society and unites the country like no other passion, Minister of Education and Human Resources Hon. Lanelle Tanagada has told the guests at outgoing SIFF President, William Lai’s special farewell dinner party in Honiara.
Hon. Lanelle made the statement to pay tribute to the country’s outgoing President of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) William Lai at his special farewell dinner party held at the Pacific Crown Hotel’s Cowboys Grill on 10 June.
“Every time SIFF held an occasion concerning soccer I always received the invitation. And I always enjoy every moment of it. Thank you for being part of this farewell program to bid farewell to the SIFF outgoing President, William Lai.
“After the ethnic tension, it was soccer that brings unity to the country. Soccer unites us, everyone. Thank you Lae, and your executive and many of you who contributed to soccer and sports in the country,’’ Hon. Lanelle said.
She said when there is anything that goes tense it is through football that unites and unites everyone.
“Thank you for always uniting this beloved nation that is diverse, ethnically, culturally through soccer, you always unite us, and give us pride because of soccer not only domestically but also internationally,’’ she said.
“I would like to say thank you so much, Mr. Lai,’’ the Minister of Education and Human Resources said.
She said that locals who always attend what SIFF is organizing are all fans of football.
“Sometimes you see us at the Lawson Tama Stadium during football matches. We always support your work and thank you for putting that benchmark for soccer in the country and that’s a challenge for the new leadership that will come in,’’ she said.
“You have mentioned in your speech that anyone who comes into the leadership must take it to another level to represent us.
“Once again wish you a God’s blessing as you go back to your home and hope to see back in the Solomons in the future,’’ Hon Lanelle said.
Meanwhile, the outgoing SIFF President, William Lai, who spearheaded the growth of football in the country during his presidency in 2015 has decided not to seek re-election.
However, four candidates are vying for the position of SIFF President. They are Eddie Omokirioo, Donald Marahare, Marlon Houkarawa, and Dr. John Iromea.
The election for the presidential post will be held at the Heritage Park Hotel when SIFF elective congress takes place today.
