Quoting the Solomon Times Online today a news report said, quote.
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.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made a courtesy first visit to site in March 2020, and will now receive the building from the contractor and hand 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 sports 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 Kolohai.
The 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."
The 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 there will be the launching of some strategic High – Performance programs in preparations for the Pacific Games in 2023.
The range of programs covered will focus on supporting national federations in developing their performance enhancement plans, the coach scholarship program an initiative of the government to support local coaches in their professional development, talent identification, and the Sports Training & Education Program (STEPS).
The NHA/Games Facility Committee (GFC) – Project Management Unit (PMU) Consultant Ken Grossmith said that despite global Covid 19 setbacks, facilities construction had 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 are of a high standard, built with Australian and New Zealand building codes, and come 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 sports federations and stakeholders.
End of quote
Source: Press Release and Solomon Times on Line.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
