BY CHRIS ALEX
PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele highlighted the unifying power of sports and its broader significance for the Melanesian region during his remarks at the opening of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup on Sunday at the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) headquarters.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Manele thanked the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat for initiating the tournament, which he described as a platform to foster unity, promote shared values, and celebrate Melanesian identity.
“This opportunity brings us together to promote and showcase our shared values and cultures, our unique identity, and our strength of resilience,” he said.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of the tournament in raising football standards across the region while providing international exposure through its inclusion in the FIFA Tier 1 platform.
“This tournament helps elevate our standards in football and provides an avenue for international recognition,” Manele remarked. “More importantly, we must invest in sports to keep us fit and safe from sicknesses, appreciating that sports are both a physical and healthy aspect of our lives.”
Highlighting the pressing issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Pacific, he called for greater efforts to leverage sports as a tool to combat these health risks.
Manele also pointed to the economic and developmental potential of sports, encouraging participating players to use their talents for personal growth and to inspire their communities.
“I encourage all our football players here today to aim higher. Use your God-given skills and talents to be agents of change for your family, your community, your country, and our greater Melanesian region,” he said.
As Honiara welcomes football teams from across the Melanesian region for the next two weeks, Prime Minister Manele urged Solomon Islanders to show hospitality and ensure the safety and enjoyment of their visitors.
“I humbly call upon all our peoples in this country to respect and take good care of our visitors, of our Wantoks. It is our responsibility to ensure their stay in Honiara is a safe and enjoyable one,” he said.
The Prime Minister wished the teams success and urged them to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship, aligning with the tournament’s theme, “Uniting Melanesia through Soccer.”
The MSG Prime Minister’s Cup runs over two weeks and features teams from across the Melanesian region competing for the coveted title.
