Athletes and officials come together for a group photo following the conclusion of the three-day Athletics National Championship at the National Stadium
The Athletics National Championship concluded today at the National Stadium following three days of competition from September 28–30, bringing together athletes from Honiara clubs and several provinces.
Hosted by Athletics Solomon, the championship featured competition across a range of track and field events, with athletes from Western, Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces joining competitors from Honiara-based clubs.
Athletics Solomon President Michael Kuali said the championship is part of the federation’s ongoing preparations towards the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, building on the work carried out earlier this year.
“As it is an annual event, we have successfully completed this year’s championship. I am happy with what has turned out so far,” said Kuali.
Kuali said the championship had provided a competitive platform for athletes while further time trials would be held as the federation continues its preparations for Tahiti.
“This is the starting process for the scout level. There are a series of time trials still coming up where we will look at the athletes ahead. By February or March next year, we will do more time trials,” said Kuali.
He said the results from the trials would help the federation identify a possible squad for more intensive training towards the Games.
“Then, out of these trials, we will name the possible squad to start training seriously for the Tahiti Games.”
Kuali also acknowledged the athletes, coaches, officials, parents and participating provinces for their contribution to the championship. He also thanked the National Sports Council (NSC), Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) and other authorities for their support.
Among the athletes competing throughout the three days was Solomon Islands athlete Julian Sosimo, who took part in multiple events across the championship.
Sosimo competed in the 100m, javelin and high jump on Day 1, followed by the 200m, 400m, long jump and discus on Day 2 before completing the championship with relay and hurdles events on the final day.
“I look forward to the 2027 Pacific Games,” said Sosimo.
She thanked NSC for hosting the competition at the National Stadium and St Dominic’s Athletics Club for supporting her participation.
“I had a great time, as I look forward to improving in my athletics training,” said Sosimo.
Long-distance runner Geejay Junior also praised the three-day competition after competing in the 10,000m, 1,500m and 3,000m events.
“I am very happy and I would like to thank my teammates and coaches. I would like to thank the supporters and the National Sports Council,” said Geejay.
He also welcomed the participation of new athletes and said he looked forward to continuing his training ahead of the next Pacific Games.
At the conclusion of the championship, St Dominic Athletics Club finished with the highest medal tally at 47 medals, comprising 23 gold, 13 silver and 11 bronze.
Namsta Club finished with 25 medals (eight gold, 12 silver and five bronze), while Guadalcanal Province recorded 16 medals, including one gold, eight silver and seven bronze.
Western Province finished with seven medals (one gold, one silver and five bronze), while Malaita Province recorded three bronze medals.
The three-day championship provided athletes with valuable competition experience while supporting Athletics Solomon’s continued athlete identification and preparation for future international competition, including the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.
-NSC MEDIA
