Acting Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands Sally Anne Vincent has signed a formal agreement for direct funding to the 2023 Pacific Games from the Australian Government.
"The Pacific Games are important to Australia because they are important to Solomon Islands and the Pacific Family," Vincent said.
"They are an opportunity for us all to come together in support of our Blue Pacific region.
"We share a love of sport and look forward to friendly competition."
Solomon Islands Ministry of Finance and Treasury Secretary Mckinnie Dentana signed the official agreement in a Ceremony at St Nicholas School on the islands.
Australia’s International Development and the Pacific Minister Pat Conroy had promised the aid when he visited Solomon Islands Premier Manasseh Sogavare in August.
The main portion of the funding of AUD$17 million (SBD$93,744,835) is to assist with the refurbishment of school dormitories, which will be used for athlete accommodation during the Games.
After the Games, rooms will be used for senior school pupils who need to board in the capital of Honiara.
"These refurbishments will be an enduring legacy, providing, safe, accessible and quality accommodation for students," Vincent said.
The Australians have also committed to the construction of a water park for the Games which will be used afterwards for canoeing and sailing.
Australia are expected to send 150 competitors, their biggest Pacific Games contingent, to take part in nine sports.
National Hosting Committee (NHA) chairman Jimmie Rodgers insisted the task of his committee was "immense" with 52 buildings to be refurbished for the Games and that the project had already generated 1036 jobs.
Work was being carried out at seven educational institutions including St. Nicholas College, the King George VI School, St. Josephs Tenaru School, Don Bosco Technical Institute, The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum and Panatina Campuses and at the SINU Marine School.
"The Solomon Islands Government recognises the long and dedicated partnership with the Australian Government and wishes to acknowledge this particular support which will further enable the Solomon Islands Government through the NHA to implement several planned projects in preparation for the Pacific Games in Honiara," Rodgers said.
The Games have also received financial support from China, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Japan and South Korea.
The 2023 Pacific Games are scheduled to open on November 19 next year.
The Islands were hit by an earthquake in November, although organisers said there had been no damage to sporting facilities.
Source: https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1131343/australians-direct-aid