THE Solomon Islands National University as one of the games village is now ready to be occupied by over 5000 athletes and officials from around the pacific regions during the 2023 Pacific Games next month.
Eleven Pacific Island nations contingents have been confirmed, that will be accommodated at SINU villages starting November 14 for PG2023.
The university is one of the six educational institutions that has been selected to become games villages during the 2023 Pacific Games.
With just 34 days remaining till the opening of the 2023 Pacific Games, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Minister responsible for 2023 Pacific Games, formally received the village on Friday 13th October.
The SINU project covers three different campuses which includes the SINU Kukum Campus, SINU Marine Campus and SINU Panatina Campus.
In his address, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated “the upgrading and refurbishment project at SINU injects around $14.9 million dollars into our economy by the government and the people of Australia.” He went on to mention that this funding which is part of the total funding package for the upgrade work in all six institutions was provided by the Australian Government, totaling more than fifty million dollars.
“This demonstrates Australia’s commitment as our partner of choice as we continue to strengthen our deep and longstanding relationship.”
Sogavare said the primary reason the upgrade work to these facilities at SINU is to ensure we have adequate rooms to cater for athletes and officials coming to the 2023 pacific games, this work will leave behind a legacy for the school because the renovated facilities will serve students for years to come.
He emphasized the university willingness to be part of the country’s efforts to host athletes from the 24 participating countries in the pacific islands’ region will ensure that the country will successfully host the 17 edition of the Pacific Games next month.
Sogavare convey his Government sincere appreciation to the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, for their assistance to help upgrade SINU for the 2023 Pacific Games.
“The work to prepare our country to host the 2023 Pacific Games is a collective effort and as Solomon islanders, we are all in this together.”
Prime Minister Sogavare thanked all partners and friends from the bilateral and development partners who have joined the Solomon Islands government in the efforts to prepare for and successfully host the 2023 Pacific Games.
H.E Rod Hilton, High Commissioner of Australia to Solomon Islands retaliated Australian’s support and commitment to the Solomon Islands government efforts in ensuring the 2023 Pacific Games will live a lasting legacy.
Furthermore, SINU Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau said this event (2023 Pacific Games) is not just about sports; it’s about an ethos. “We are immensely privileged to welcome and host the athletes from across the Pacific islands’ region.”
The handing over program ended with a site visit of the SINU Panatina Campus with a total of 11 buildings, 103 bedrooms, two common rooms, 21 ablution and laundry areas.
