BY JOY OFASIA
Children and young football players across Solomon Islands will have more chances to enjoy the sport after Japan donated 50 footballs to the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), according to Embassy of Japan in Solomon Islands.
The footballs were officially handed over by the Embassy of Japan in Solomon Islands on 7 August.
Football is the most popular sport in Solomon Islands, and the donation is expected to encourage more children to take part in the game and develop their skills.
The donation followed the visit of Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Horii, to Solomon Islands in June and the Japan-Solomon Islands Summit Meeting in July. The footballs were donated by the Nara Football Association, where Mr Horii serves as President.
Japanese Ambassador HIGUCHI said he was impressed by the strong interest in football in Solomon Islands, especially during the FIFA World Cup.
“I was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm in Solomon Islands during the FIFA World Cup and by the many people who supported the Japanese team,” he said.
He said the footballs were intended to help young players grow and bring the joy of football to more children.
SIFF President Mr Marahare thanked Japan for the support.
“These footballs represent an investment in our young players and football as a whole,” he said.
Mr Marahare said the footballs would be distributed to provinces and rural communities.
He said the aim was to give children across the country the chance to play, learn teamwork and develop into players who could one day represent Solomon Islands.
For many children, the simple gift of a football could be the beginning of a dream.
