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Solomon Islands- Honiara is the proud host of one of the most significant events in the Pacific region—the 2023 Pacific Games. This quadrennial sporting extravaganza, often referred to as the “Olympics” of the Pacific, brings together 24 diverse island nations to compete in a wide array of 24 sporting events. The following is a compilation of the countries and nations participating in this grand sporting spectacle.
American Samoa | Nauru | Samoa |
Australia | New Caledonia | Solomon Islands |
Cook Islands | New Zealand | Tahiti |
Federated States of Micronesia | Niue | Tokelau |
Fiji | Norfolk Islands | Tonga |
Guam | Northern Mariana Islands | Tuvalu |
Kiribati | Palau | Vanuatu |
Marshall Islands | Papua New Guinea | Wallis and Futuna |
Athletes will participate in recently constructed arenas, financed by the national government with support from the Chinese Government. As reported by Al Jazeera, the total cost of building the stadiums and additional facilities, such as the aquatic center, tennis court, and hockey field, is approximately $71 million.
The 2023 Pacific Games started on November 19 with a beautiful Opening Ceremony. The athletes parade featured cultural performances such as Kirbati’s group dance, hakas from Tahiti and New Zealand.
With close to 600 athletes, Fiji has the biggest team at these Pacific Games. And they performed a Cibi war dance after making their way to the centre of the infield.
Papua New Guinea have just under 500 athletes making them the second biggest team in the Solomon Islands. And they made themselves heard with some group chanting as tennis player Matthew Stubbings and football captain Ramona Padio waved the flag.
Tonga also have a big team with a handful of male athletes following the lead of Rio 2016 flagbearer Pita Taufatofua by arriving with bare oiled chests and wearing traditional ta’ovalas wrapped around their waists.
If you are interested in watching the games, click on the link below.