20 Nov 2023

Solomon Islands bring thousands together at the Pacific Games

From Morning Report, 8:26 am on 20 November 2023
A photo taken on April 22, 2022 shows China's ambassador to the Solomon Islands Li Ming (R), and Solomons Prime Pinister Manasseh Sogavare (L) cutting a ribbon during the opening ceremony of a China-funded national stadium complex in Honiara. The stadium complex, reportedly worth 53 million USD, will host the 2023 Pacific Games for the first time in the island state of 800,000 people. (Photo by Mavis PODOKOLO / AFP)

Photo: AFP

The 17th Pacific Games officially opened in Solomon Islands overnight, with the host nation pulling out all the stops to put on a vibrant and colourful celebration of culture and unity.

Thousands of athletes from 24 Pacific island countries and territories including New Zealand and Australia will be vying for gold, silver and bronze in 24 sports over the next two weeks.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare welcomed the Pacific delegations to Honiara.

RNZ Pacific editor Koroi Hawkins reports from Honiara.