BY JOY OFASIA
The National Sports Council (NSC) has clarified its role and funding support for Team Solomon ahead of the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, following public concern over who is going and who is being funded.
In a media release, the NSC Board, the Council stressed that it remains committed to supporting Solomon Islands teams in international competitions—but only under clear guidelines.
“Representing Solomon Islands is an honour and a privilege,” said an NSC spokesperson. “We want our teams to compete to win, not just participate.”
According to the NSC, funding support will be given to only five registered national federations whose athletes meet governance and performance criteria. These sports include:
- Athletics (including Para athletes) – 22 athletes
- Basketball 3×3 – 10 athletes
- Beach Volleyball – 8 athletes
- Weightlifting – 14 athletes
- Swimming – 11 athletes (pending final selection)
Additional support has been approved for five team officials, including medical staff and general management, bringing the supported total to 70 team members with a budget of approximately $1.2 million.
“The NSC does not stop NOCSI from sending a larger team,” the spokesperson explained. “But our funding is limited to federations that are officially registered and meet our criteria.”
The National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) is the body responsible for selecting and sending teams to the Pacific Games and Mini Games. NSC noted that while NOCSI requested significant funding—first $3.8 million and later $4.6 million—NSC’s funding is based on a “dollar-to-dollar” contribution model and depends on NOCSI’s own fundraising efforts.
“NOCSI said it would raise funds through a corporate dinner, a raffle, and a concert. So far, only the raffle is underway,” NSC stated.
The Council also highlighted that their decisions were guided by the National Sports Council Act and criteria communicated to NOCSI in May 2025, including:
- Good governance and registration of federations
- Transparent team selection processes
- Potential for athletes to win medals
The NSC added that while it does not control team selections, it is responsible for ensuring public funds are used fairly and transparently.
“We respect NOCSI’s role. Our goal is not to interfere but to support where standards are met,” NSC stated. “We want our athletes to succeed—and inspire the next generation of Solomon Islands sportsmen and women.”
