Exactly 2 years before the 2023 Pacific Games – the China Civil Engineering Construction (CCECC) will officially handover the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High – Performance Center facility to the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) this Friday 19th November at Panatina, East Honiara.
Honorable Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare who made a courtesy first visit to site in March 2020, now will receive the building from the contractor and hands it over to the National Hosting Authority (NHA) for the operations of the SINIS and High Performance Program to commence ahead of Solomon Islands hosting the Pacific Games 2023.
Following its remarkable groundbreaking ceremony on December 2019, the over SBD$20 million SIG funded sport complex is now completed, whilst, the HP team will start using the Office and training facilities, procurement of gym equipment is delayed and so the facilities is expected to be fully operational by early 2022.
PM Sogavare will receive the building on behalf of SIG and witness the blessing of the sports facilities by the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) General Secretary Reverend Dr Edward Kolohae.
NHA Executive Director Christian Nieng quoted, “This is the first of the Sol2023 facilities to be completed and handed over to the Government of Solomon Islands, and it’s a milestone success.
Mr. Nieng underlined that it was initially the government who intended to build the institution when PM Sogavare made its announcement in 2018, and through his vision and leadership with his Secretary Dr Jimmie Rodgers (NHA Chairman) in making sure the facilities is built
“Looking back, I’m very grateful. This handover is a milestone achievement and a positive development in the country. It’s a good thing we have accomplish the vision of these leaders to make sure we have good facilities to be used by youths of this nation, and for sports not only to prepare and compete at international competitions but encouraging our citizens to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce health risks,” says Mr. Nieng.
Inaugural Executive Director for SINIS – High Performance program Aaron Alsop highlighted that now Solomon Islands will be the second in the region to have a recognized and national High – Performance program, a proud investment that signifies the collaborative efforts of the government
“It’s exciting particularly for SIG, who have proudly invested in such an important infrastructure and program for the country and seeing it through. The SINIS is a flagship program but also a shining light for High – Performance in the region,” says Alsop
Also, during the handing over ceremony Mr. Alsop confirmed the launching of some strategic High – Performance programs in preparations for Pacific Games 2023.
These range of programs covered particularly will focus in supporting national federations in developing their performance enhancement plans, the coach scholarship program an initiative of the government to support local coaches in their profession development, talent identification and the Sports Training & Education Program (STEPS).
NHA/Games Facility Committee (GFC) – Project Management Unit (PMU) Consultant Ken Grossmith positively said that despite global Covid 19 setbacks, facilities construction has progressed well.
“The SINIS building is architecturally steel framed, designed relatively simple and multifunctional to use in Solomon Islands context. SINIS building is one of a kind, taking into consideration these challenges and cost effectiveness we focused on the facilities functions rather than form – and it has progressed exceptionally through the phases.
He also highlighted that the facilities is of high standard included with Australian and New Zealand building codes that comes complete with a hybrid solar system installation generating as the prime power supplier.
The handover will also be witnessed by the cabinet Ministers and senior government officials, Chairs of members of NHA Board, GOC, GFC chairs and committee members as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs, National Sports Council (NSC) Chair Joe Sika and representatives from the national sport federations and stakeholders.
