British High Commission Honiara welcomes home Team Solomons from Commonwealth Games
British High Commissioner, Paul Turner, hosted athletes and officials of Team Solomons for afternoon tea in recognition of their participation in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, last month.
Group photo with Team Solomons
On Wednesday 26 August, the British High Commissioner, His Excellency Paul Turner, hosted athletes and officials of Team Solomons for afternoon tea in recognition of their participation at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, last month.
The team proudly represented Solomon Islands at the country’s 11th Commonwealth Games which took place in Glasgow between 23 July to 2 August. The Solomon Islands delegation included 13 men and women competing across athletics, boxing, judo, swimming, and weightlifting/para powerlifting.
Leading the team into the games was flag bearer Maximilian Makana whilst para powerlifter Moffet Tolomae carried the Commonwealth Sport Baton. There were no medals for Team Solomons this time round, but the team reached new milestones in terms of achieving personal bests in swimming and middle- and long-distance running. The team gained invaluable experience competing against some of the world’s top athletes.
Speaking to the athletes at the British High Commission, H.E. Paul Turner saluted the team’s spirit and the personal bests that many of the competitors achieved in Glasgow. He paid special tribute to veteran weightlifter, Jenly Tegu Wini, who has competed in 5 consecutive Commonwealth Games, and para powerlifter, Moffet Tolomae, whose participation in the Glasgow Games marked an important milestone in the growth of para-sport in Solomon Islands.
Recalling the impact of the victorious Solomon Islands’ women’s football team last year, H.E. Turner highlighted the special role that the athletes had in terms of inspiring young people. He remarked that “beyond medals, sports serve as a means for youth empowerment and national unity”.
Team Manager, Simon Chottu, acknowledged the British High Commission’s commitment to sports in Solomons and said that the team would be looking for new success in the Pacific Games in Tahiti in July 2027. He said Team Solomon returned home with pride, having represented the nation with dedication and determination, while laying out a strong foundation for future Commonwealth Games and international competitions.