BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
Ngella, Russell, and Savo (GERUSA) games is open.
Opening the 4th of GERUSA games yesterday in cutting the ribbon is Central Islands Province (CIP) Premier Hon Polycarp Galaighu.
CIP’s Premier in acknowledgment during the opening of the games ceremony encouraged and reminded all athletes that all preparations are for the upcoming Solomon Games. This includes the forthcoming South Pacific Games to take place in the Solomon Islands later this year.
“On behalf of the CIP Provincial Government, I would like to thank the National Sports Council [NSC] for assisting the province to support the GERUSA Games 2023 in preparation for the upcoming Solomon Games, as well as the South Pacific Games to take place,” said Galaighu.
Sports included in this year’s GERUSA Games are ‘Athletics, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Indoor Volleyball, Netball, Taekwando and local dug-out canoeing’.
‘Soccer’ has been excluded.
Attending currently to participate is a total of 233 athletes including Officials (104 women and 129 men).
“Enjoy your sports for this week, you are in safe care, the government is here. We are here to support you on behalf of the government of CIP, and we will try our very best,” said Galaighu.
“Despite of hiccups experienced during the past seeing the GERUSA Games not held regularly through past years, we will surely improve in such areas.
“Enjoy your sports for this week.
“I wish you all the best and let the best win in their specific sports participated in.
Chairman of the CIP’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC)Mr. Michael Kuali in the same sentiment reiterated that it might be the last time for everyone participating to showcase themselves so they must make use of the GERUSA Games.
“Thank you technical Officers from Honiara, to support and accept the call to come and assist in the GERUSA games. This is to provide good games for us in n the province.
“Hope to see a lot of excitement,” said Kuali.
Only Shot-put and Javelinegames were started yesterday as athletics and other sports activities are expected to kick off today Thursday.
The National Sports Council is appreciated for assisting the province to support the GERUSA Games 2023, especially in medals.
The Theme for this year’s GERUSA to be held between January 11 -15 is ‘Uniting our islands’.
GERUSA day two continues today, kicking off with athletics.
