Sol2023 CEO reflects on enthusiastic response to week one
“So far, so good!” was how Mr Peter Stewart, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Games Organising Committee (GOC) described the first week of events at the Sol2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The first week of Sol2023 has seen a record 4963 athletes and officials from the 24 participating Pacific Island countries and territories grace Honiara’s shores – the biggest Pacific Games ever hosted.
Since last Sunday’s extravagant Opening Ceremony, a total of 522 medals have been presented to gold, silver and bronze medal winners in 13 sports: archery, golf, judo, karate, rugby league 9s, rugby union 7s, swimming, sailing, table tennis, tennis, volleyball and weightlifting.
Stewart said he has been overwhelmed with the level of support the people of Honiara have rendered towards the Games throughout the week.
“It has been so pleasing to see how enthusiastically Honiara has embraced the Games. From the sellout Opening Ceremony to the loud cheering crowds at many venues, there has been nothing but smiling faces and warm support for all our visiting athletes.”
He added that visiting delegations have also expressed gratitude for the hospitality received in Honiara at this Games.
“The team managers have all expressed their thanks for the warm welcome, the hospitality, the wonderful venues, facilities and services provided by Solomon Islands for their athletes. The fantastic Opening Ceremony show provided by our ceremonies team and supported by the wonderful colour of our competing nations got the Games off to a tremendous start.”
Week two of the Games has seen over 200 athletes arriving and around the same number departing this weekend.
“Athletes and teams who have completed their events are travelling back this week, whilst others competing this week have already started arriving this weekend. Those that remain will be part of the Closing Ceremony when the Games finish on Saturday 2 December,” Stewart said.
On the subject of Games tickets, Mr Stewart said: “Ticket sales have been tremendously strong in the first week with the Opening Ceremony and Sports City package tickets sold out. Only a handful of tickets are still available including for the Closing Ceremony.”
This week at the Games will see the start of many other fan-favorite sporting events including athletics, beach volleyball, taekwondo and touch rugby.
Tickets are on sale at Our Telekom Point Cruz and Sol2023 ticket booths.
Pacific Games News Service
