Since the NSC Board’s first meeting held in February 2025, we have been working with NOCSI to support the preparation process for Team Solomon to compete at the upcoming Pacific Mini Games. The overall responsibility for securing funding for and selecting Team Solomon is NOCSI’s.
The NSC Board has had to make some difficult decisions based on our policy of providing dollar-to dollar funding for teams competing overseas. This was more challenging given the first budget received from NOCSI was at the end of April 2025 and in early June 2025, it increased to a request from the NSC of $4,6m with NOCSI contributing $500,000 for the total of just under $5,2m. This level of funding is not available nor is it sustainable. The Board’s decisions on funding were communicated to the NOCSI President in my letter of 9 May 2025:
- An assessment of good governance and activity levels reflected through registration the national federation with the NSC.
- A clear selection policy from NOCSI.
- A clear and transparent selection policy and process, including selection events, for each federation.
- The potential of athletes to achieve a podium finish.
Thus the Board confirmed last week that it would provide funding support on the 50-50 basis up to $1,2m for:
- Athletics including Para athletes
- Basketball 3 x 3 competing to qualify for their U23 world championships
- Beach volleyball
- Weightlifting
In relation to Swimming, NOCSI alerted us to the possibility of 2 overseas based swimmers being considered and this issue needs to be resolved. The Board has also agreed to fund 2 team management and 3 medical support personnel on the 50 50 basis.
The Board is very clear that we need to move away from “participation” at international events to competing and winning. Funding provided by the Solomon Islands Government requires a return on its investment.
The Board acknowledges that Team Solomon represents our best athletes. We have noted the views of many Solomon Islanders that we should only send potential medallists to Palau. We agree. However, the final team selection is the responsibility of the NOCSI Executive.
We will work with NOCSI to ensure that the funding from the NSC is used to ensure that the athletes from these sports get to Palau and make us all proud.
The NSC Board has also approved medal incentives for our athletes:
- $7,000 for gold
- $5,000 for silver and
- $3,000 for bronze
These incentives will be issued for athletes in team and individual sports on their return from Palau. On behalf of the NSC, I wish the athletes all success in Palau. We look forward to you achieving new personal bests, new national and Pacific records and medals to make Solomon Islands proud.
Issued by: Joe Sika Manuopangai, Chair of the NSC Board on 18 June 2025
