Solomon Islands to host 2023 Pacific Games

The Solomon Islands has beaten Tahiti to win the rights to host the 17th Pacific Games in 2023.

The decision was made after a vote by the 22 members of the Pacific Games Council at their general assembly this week in Vanuatu.

Marking the first time that the Solomon Islands will host the Games, the announcment has been greeted with jubilation in the nation’s capital Honiara, with the Government having secured US$47 in financial backing for the bid from China to fund the cost of a building a brand new national stadium.

Bart Basia, described as the ‘voice of Solomon Islands sport’ during his career at the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, says winning the bid will finally push the government to invest in its athletes.

The 2019 Pacific Games are scheduled to be held in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga.

Top image shows the Solomon Island's current national stadium, Lawson Tama Stadium.

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