By Georgina Maka’a 

Australia today handed over a $6.3 million Iumi Water Sports park to the Government and people of Solomon Islands. 

Built within the DC Park at Henderson, east of Honiara, the facility will play host to sports Vaa, Kayaking, and Sailing during the Pacific Games in November this year. 

Australia provided $100 million to support the Government hosts the regional sports event. The $6.3 million spent on the water sports park was part of the funding. 

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was at hand to receive the facility from Australia High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Rod Hilton.  

“I extend my sincere appreciation to the Australian Government for transporting some of the va’a canoes into the country in the Australian Defence Force Aircrafts,” Sogavare said. 

“This Iumi Water Sports Park is a gift from the government and people of Australia to the government and people of Solomon Islands.” he added. 

 He highlighted the three sports that will be hosted at the venue are relatively new to Solomon Islands. 

 “However, our athletes have commenced their training, and they are confident of a good outing during these games. 

“They will do their best to capture some medals in these events.”   

_{^{Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Australia High Commissioner Rod Hilton, Government MPs and Australian officials pose after the ceremony}}

Sogavare also announced that no entry fees will be charged to spectators turning up at the facility to watch the sports to be played there. 

“I call on our good people to look after these facilities and use them as we prepare to compete in these sports regionally and internationally and make our country proud.” 

Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton says his country is also pleased to partner with Solomon Islands towards the Pacific games. 

“We are not the only ones; there are others who have made significant contributions and I pay my respect to People’s Republic of China, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, South Korea, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia for their contributions as well,” Hilton said. 

^{_{Some of the team that will participate in the in the upcoming Pacific Games demonstrated kayaking today after the handover of the Umi Water Sports Park.}}

He also acknowledged Sogavare for bringing together all the partners to work with Solomon Islands Government towards the upcoming games. 

“For our part we are pleased to partner with Solomon Islands with close up to SBD$100 million.” 

Other Australian Government-funded facilities will be handed over in the coming days.