Solomon Islands Swimming Team departs Honiara this afternoon for the Oceania Swimming Championships in Suva, Fiji, ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games qualifying event
The Solomon Islands Swimming Federation (SISF) has sent a national delegation to the Oceania Swimming Championships in Fiji, with the team departing Honiara this afternoon.
The Championships will run from 8 to 12 May 2026 in Suva, Fiji, with the team scheduled to return to the country on 17 May 2026. The event serves as an official qualifying competition for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking a significant milestone for swimming development in Solomon Islands. Participation at this level provides athletes with a clear pathway to the international stage while strengthening the federation’s high-performance focus.
SISF Secretary General Jackson Rahemae highlighted the importance of the competition, noting that it offers an opportunity for swimmers to benchmark themselves against regional standards and continue building a structured pathway from grassroots to elite competition.
“This level of competition allows our swimmers to measure their performance against the region’s best, identify gaps and continue progressing towards international standards,” said Rahemae.
He added that exposure to international competition is critical for both athletes and coaching staff, as it helps develop race strategies, mental resilience, and confidence, while also enhancing coaching knowledge through exposure to advanced techniques and competition management.
Among the key goals for the team are achieving personal best times, gaining valuable international race experience, and building confidence and professionalism among athletes.
The delegation includes technical officials who will also play an important role during the Championships while supporting event delivery at international level. Technical official Cindy Aungarima is also expected to undertake the World Aquatics Junior Coaching Workshop as part of her professional development during the Championships.
Rahemae acknowledged the continued support of the National Sports Council (NSC), stating that assistance through governance and team participation grants has been instrumental in strengthening the federation’s capacity, improving planning, and supporting preparation for international competitions.
The Solomon Islands delegation travelling to Fiji includes President Chrisleon Sanga and Secretary General Jackson Rahemae, Head Coach Stance Sanga, swimmers Brenton Naka, Loise Bently, and Junior Sanga, along with technical officials Osken Haro and Cindy Aungarima.
The participation of the Solomon Islands team reflects ongoing efforts to build capacity, improve performance standards, and create opportunities for athletes to compete at higher levels of international sport and, in this instance, to qualify for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Scotland in July 2026.
For more information and updates on the Oceania Swimming Championships (8–12 May 2026), visit the official Fiji Aquatics website and Facebook page.
– NSC MEDIA
