BY LESLEY FOINAGWA – ISLES FREELANCER
BUMA, Malaita Province — The West Kwaio (WK) Games 2025 officially got underway on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Buma Sports Field, marking a major community milestone that brings together people from Afutara to Alinakinaki Constituency in a week-long celebration of sport, unity, and youth development.
West Kwaio Sports Chairman for 2025, Ezra Kuki, welcomed athletes, team officials, community members, and visitors during the opening ceremony, describing the games as a Christmas sporting event fully owned by the people of West Kwaio.
“This is your game and my game. We are the rightful owners of this tournament,” Kuki said. “These games belong to the people of West Kwaio and are meant to bring us together in unity, friendship, and celebration.”
The WK Games 2025 feature competitions in soccer, volleyball, netball, and futsal, creating opportunities for communities to interact, share experiences, and strengthen relationships through sport. Kuki thanked the local organizing committee and the people of Buma for successfully hosting the tournament and ensuring its smooth commencement.
Men’s soccer remains a major highlight of this year’s games, with 20 teams participating. Each team paid a registration fee of $500, reflecting strong interest and commitment from communities across West Kwaio.
The official opening was performed by Member of Parliament for West Kwaio Constituency, Honourable Claudius Teifi, who described the event as historic for Buma and praised the collective efforts of organizers, chiefs, church leaders, community leaders, team managers, athletes, and supporters.
“This year’s theme, ‘Forging Our Future Together,’ is more than just words,” Hon. Teifi said. “It is a call to unity and action, reminding us that the future of West Kwaio is built by all of us working together, especially in supporting and empowering our young people.”
The MP emphasized the importance of sports in shaping discipline, leadership, teamwork, and respect among youths, while also keeping them away from harmful activities. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting youth empowerment initiatives, including sports, education, arts, music, and economic opportunities.
“Winning is good, but good character is greater,” he said, urging athletes to uphold sportsmanship, respect officials and opponents, and play according to the rules.
Hon. Teifi also highlighted the role of education, vocational training, creativity, and small business development in building a prosperous West Kwaio, noting that youth empowerment is the backbone of long-term community development.
“Even though we may support different teams, we are one people under the proud banner of West Kwaio,” he added.
The ceremony concluded with Hon. Teifi officially declaring the West Kwaio Games 2025 open, setting the stage for a week of competitive sport, cultural pride, and community unity in Buma.
