PGA SOLMON ISLANDS

2023 PACIFIC GAMES BID DOCUMENT

Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

2 Table of Contents

Gabriel Suri...... 4 2 . Games Village ...... 31 Martin Rara ...... 4 Meals Times...... 31 I . General Background...... 18 Medical Center ...... 31 II . Data on Climate ...... 21 Press Center ...... 31 III SPORT PROGRAMME...... 21 Banking...... 32 IV ORGANIZING COMMITTEE...... 24 Postal & Telecommunication Services...... 32 1 . Charter and Legal Status:...... 24 Travel Bureau...... 32 2 . Organizational Chart: ...... 24 Dry-Cleaning and Laundry ...... 32

3 . Proposed Committee Structure ...... 25 Other Facilities...... 32 Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Chairman ...... 25 3 . Accommodation...... 33 Vice Chairman ...... 25 3 1. Hotels...... 33 Secretary...... 25 4 . Relative Distances from and to Venues...... 35 Treasurer ...... 25 5 . Transportation Arrangements...... 36 3 Committee Members...... 25 VIII . General Arrangements...... 37 4 . Human Resources Plans:...... 26 Village per dium...... 37 5 . Volunteer Programs:...... 26 Transport grant to be offered ...... 37 Director of Sports...... 26 Drug Testing Procedure ...... 38 Director of Games Village...... 26 Transport...... 38 Director Venue and Facilities...... 27 Village Services...... 38 Director Securities ...... 27 IX . FINANCES...... 39 Director of Marketing ...... 27 1 . Proposed Budget...... 39 Director of Media Services...... 27 X . GUARANTEES...... 41 Director of Liaison...... 28 10 . Communications ...... 44 Director of Events...... 28 Media Committee...... 44 V . PAST SPORTS EVENTS & OTHER MAJOR EVENTS. . . 28 Main Press Center ...... 44 VI . TECHNICAL OFFICIALS ...... 29 Broadcast Locations...... 44 VII . FACILITIES...... 30 Photographers ...... 44 1 . Sports and Related Facilities...... 30 Welcome Message

Gabriel Suri Martin Rara NSC Chairman NOC Chairman Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific We stand boldly on behalf of the Government of the people of Solomon Islands, the sporting fraternity, the chiefs and elders, and the general populace to warmly welcome the people of the Pacific to our beautiful island atolls, lagoons and mountain ridges of the happy isles .

4 Your two weeks of sports rivalry will be memorable . As we play and share the spirit of Pacific sports, the competition between athletes will be if what, of a high caliber . Our number one purpose is to ensure that the 2023 games are just, friendly and promote unity .

So once again I welcome all the people of the South Pacific and visitors from other countries to this great sporting event in the Solomon Islands . Let The Legacy Begin Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific This bid document is overwhelmingly supported by the alliance of all sectors of Solomon Islands’ society including, but not limited to: the private sec- tors, all NGO organizations, the business houses, the economic sector, the ethnic business populace, national sporting organizations, individuals and the rural and urban population from across our be-loved country of Solomon Islands . 5

Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Official Message

His Excellency Sir Frank Utu Ofagioro Kabui GCMG CSI OBE Governor General Solomon Islands Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

6 Official Message

Hon. Manasseh Damukana Sogavare Prime Minister Solomon Islands

I am presenting this message on behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands and the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) . My Government remains committed to host the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands and to ensure that the Games in 2023 really show the true Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific spirit of hosting all people, thus demonstrating to the world the real Pacific way through sports and culture .

I am looking forward to welcoming everyone to our happy isles – Solomon Islands in 2023 . 7

...... Hon . Manasseh Damukana Sogavare Official Message

Hon. Manasseh Maelanga Minister of Home Affairs Solomon Islands

I wish to convey the support as the Minister of Sports for the Solomon Islands Government . My Ministry is committed to ensure that the games are played here in 2023 and as the Deputy Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands , I hope that we will provide every sports person a fair, competitive and Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific satisfying event .

I hope to welcome the Pacific to our home in 2023 . 8

...... Hon . Manasseh Maelanga Official Message

Hon. Jeremiah Manele Leader of Opposition Solomon Islands

I officially wish to inform my counterparts in the Pacific that as the leader of the other side of the house, I fully support the bid in which our Pacific Games Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Association of Solomon Islands and the Government wish to put forward for the hosting of the games here in 2023 .

The Opposition is fully committed in supporting the Solomon Islands ‘ bid in bringing the games to the people of the Solomon Islands . We will ensure 9 the games meet the expectation of the Pacific Games Council and all the technical requirements of our International Federation (IF) and the Interna- tional Olympic Committee (IOC) .

See you all in 2023 .

...... Hon . Jeremiah Manele Official Message

Hon. Snyder Rini Minister of Finance & Treasury Solomon Islands Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

10 Official Message

Mr. Martin Rara President National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands

The greatest goal and aspiration of NOCSI, being the cradle of sports in the Solomon Islands , is to win the bid to host the Pacific Games in Honiara Solomon Islands in 2023 . NOCSI views the hosting of this prestigous sports event as an opportunity to be in the forefront of carrying the flag of unity Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific in the Pacific .

Sustaining economic and political stability in Solomon Islands remains a challenge of every successive government that comes into power . However, 11 the opportunity to host the Pacific Games in 2023 on our shores is our ray of hope and to assist in binding the country together as a nation of one people despite the diversity in multi-ethnic, religious and cultural groupings found amidst the people .

In collaboration with Solomon Islands National Sports Federations and with the initiative of the Pacific Games Bidding Committee in partnership with NOCSI, I, as President of this bidding PGA , am delighted to inform all members of the Pacific Games Council, both the Executive and the General As- sembly, that the government of Solomon Islands is fully supportive and committed towards this endeavor to host the 2023 Games in Honiara . NOCSI guarantee’s that your vote for Solomon Islands will be rewarded in many ways . So cast your vote for Solomon islands and come witness the magic of the Pacific Games in 2023 .

...... Mr . Martin Bai Rara Official Message

Mr. Gabriel Suri Chairman National Sports Council (NSC)

I officially write, as the Chairman of the National Sports Council of Solomon Islands, to formally register the support of the council for this national event, hosting the Pacific Games in 2023 . Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

The Solomon Islands National Sports Council will be working hand in hand with its counterparts to ensure that 2023 is a game to cherish .

12 It will be a living testimony in the hearts of our Pacific neighbors as we partake and feel the spirit of the Games .

The Sports Council welcomes the Pacific in 2023 .

...... Mr . Gabriel Kwanae Suri Official Message

COUNSELOR ALFRENCE FATAI

LORD MAYOR OF HONIARA CITY

It is my greatest desire as Honiara City Mayor to see Solomon Islands host this great sporting event in the Municipality of Honiara City in Solomon Islands . Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

Our young but vibrant generation of Solomon Islanders congregating in every square mile of the City of Honiara has been a challenge to us with a difficult task to establish a conducive environment where people of all ethnic background and all races will enjoy living in harmony to breed friendship 13 through sports .

Many of our devoted people through the past and present governments of HCC Municipality have experienced the struggle for a peaceful society in the midst of ethnic conflict, and have now seen the social transformation brought about because of what sports has impacted in the lives of this new generation .

My Government with our aspirations will be hugely enhanced by the first ever staging of the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands in 2023 .

...... Lord Mayor Counselor Alfrence Fatai Official Message

MR. FRANCIS MANIORU CHAIRMAN SOLOMON ISLANDS ATHLETES COMMISSION

I, on behalf of the Solomon Islands Athletes Commission which represents all athletes of the Solomon Islands, pledge our greatest support to this national interest of bidding to host the Pacific Games here in the happy isles in 2023 . Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

The Commission will work hand in hand with its counterparts to make the 2023 games peaceful, memorable and competitive in the spirit of true sportsmanship . 14

The Solomon Islands Athletes Commission welcomes the Pacific in 2023 .

...... Mr . Francis Manioru THE PRIME MINISTER PO. BOX G1 HONIARA SOLOMON ISLANDS

12 January 2016 President Pacific Games Council Suva Republic of Fiji

Dear President,

LETTER OF GUARANTEE

The Government of Solomon Islands guarantees that, upon Solomon Islands (through its Pacific Games Association, NOCSI) being Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific awarded the honour, right and privilege to host the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara City, will ensure that it and all responsible authorities and sporting bodies honour and abide by the Guarantees prescribed under the Pacific Games Council Charter, including but not limited to: 15 a. Executive of the Host Contract pursuant to the Pacific Games Council Charter. b. Inviting all games participants of all countries and territories affiliated to the Council. c. Granting to all Games participants exemptions to entrance permits, airport taxes, visa permit fees, customs duties and levies. d. Granting import duties exemption in relation to sport related items brought into the country for use in the Game e. Ensuring that all Games participants will participate in the Games free of any discrimination on the ground of race, colour, gender, religion or politics.

This Guarantee is given for Enhancement of the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles.

...... Hon. Manasseh Damukana Sogavare Hon. Snyder Rini Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Minister of Finance & Treasury Introduction

Solomon Islands became a sovereign state and a member of the United Nations as of 7th July 1978 . Prior that time, it was a British colony along with a number of other Pacific Island nations that have also gained political independence from Britain since .

Sports have been a uniting factor for Solomon Islands long before first contact with the outside world took place . In villages, communities and regions, ‘local’ sporting activities had been practiced, especially during celebrations marking certain events; weddings, tribal unifications or turn of tide and/ or weather . Such sporting activities includes but not limited to; Canoe racing – Vaka Tepe- in the Western Province, Hetakai (Wrestling) in the Renbel Province, Bows and Arrows in the Temotu region, Kaleve – Toddy Cutting in Sikaiana, Malaita Outer Islands to name a few . Even as recent as during the dark days of the ethnic tension, the warring periods of 1997 – 2003, when the guns were still at large, the ‘fighting’ stopped and all went into wild Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific jubilation when the National Soccer team scored against Australia in an Olympic qualifier .

The 2003 South Pacific Games held in Suva, Fiji, was a true test for Solomon Islands contingent . As a nation, we barely came out of the big social 16 unrest . Guns were still adrift . Looting and disorder was the code of the day . National Unity was at stake . Hence the question of fair representation from the warring factions surfaced . As well was the question of financial capability . Government was then focused on rebuilding the shattered nation . The obvious option was to forego the 2003 games . But all these questions and uncertainties drifted into oblivion when a full contingent of sportsmen and women representing all sectors of our communities went to Suva .

After the November 2014 general elections when the DCC Government, under the leadership of the current Prime Minister came into office, focus was adjusted to accommodate the need to initiate, promote and enhance the development of sports in the country . Across all sectors of the community including villages, schools, communities in rural and urban areas alike, sports was given a new mantle to maneuver within .

Solomon Islands shares the same vision radiated by those founding fathers of the (South) Pacific Games as it was known then . The vision was that Athletes and Officials of the Pacific Island countries to commune and compete on regular intervals in a friendly but world-standard competition . Hence, with the exception of the 1987 Games in New Caledonia, Solomon Islands had participated in all succeeding Games, major and mini alike . The first Mini South Pacific Games was held in Honiara in 1981, and since then it has been yearning to have the major Games . Three previous bids to host the major Pacific Games had not been successful and this time round Solomon Islands is leaving no stone unturned . The Government and people of Solomon Islands are more than eager to again humbly submit its bid for the 2023 Games with much more passion and affirmation, for your kind and favorable consideration .

Similar to the 2012 staging of the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts, the XVII Pacific Games in Honiara promises to bring similar wonders of the age, if not better . The XVII Pacific Games in Honiara will offer an excellent opportunity for our young and old, to realize that Sport does have an important part to play in our lives, despite the threats of natural disasters, climate change, carbon emissions and other forms of man-made calamities . Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

Honiara, the capital city of Solomon Islands is ready to embrace you upon arrival, for a trip of a life time dream you will want to continue nuzzled in . You will be treated as not only sports representatives but also as - Distinguished Guests - to the “Hapi Isles” . 17 So come to Honiara for the 2023 Pacific Games to witness and enjoy what will be a truly memorable once in a life time experience . I. General Background

Solomon Islands are located at 9 .20 degrees south of the Equator and 159 .48 degrees East of Greenwich . It boarders with PNG to the west and Vanuatu to the South East . It has a land mass of 27,600 sq . km making it second to PNG . There are six main Islands with numerous other islets making up the Solomon’s .

Guadalcanal Island which accommodates Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands, is famous for a number of reasons; it was the turning point of the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War in 1942, the name – Guadalcanal, was given by the Spanish Explorer - Alvaro de Mendana, after his hometown in Spain . The name - Solomon Islands was also given by this same Spanish Explorer believing that King Solomon, in the Bible, hid his gold on the islands after discovering gold nuggets at the Matanikau River mouth . Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

In the 2009 Census, Solomon Islands registered a population of around 630,000 based on the 1999 rate of 3% . It is predominantly Christian with pockets of other religious groups such as the Baha’i, Muslims and other unorthodox churches practicing as well . The national constitution guarantees 18 freedom of religion and beliefs and is highly valued and practiced freely by Solomon Islanders .

Melanesians form the majority of the population with about 80%, followed by Polynesians with 10% and Micronesians of Kiribati origin, about 3%, Chinese, Asians and other Pacific Island naturalized citizens make the balance .

Around 75% of the people depend on subsistence farming for their livelihood . The cash economy comprises around 25% . Oceania Map Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

19 Solomon Islands Map Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

20 II. Data on Climate

Honiara, the host City, has similar climate as those countries in the tropical region . The wet season is normally around the November-April half of the year, with temperatures ranging between 8-30 degrees Celsius . Tropical cyclones, more often than not, occur during these times .

The latter half of the year, May – October is more pleasant, dry and cool . The Games are scheduled around these pleasant times of the year . Honiara experiences the least rainfall in the whole country as it is on the leeward side of the main island of Guadalcanal .

III SPORT PROGRAMME

With July falling in the cool and dry period, as well as having the Solomon Islands Independence Anniversary contained withinas well, we propose to Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific host the Games to coincide with Solomon Islands 45th Independence Anniversary which falls on 7th July 2023 . The official Opening Ceremony of the 2023 Games in Honiara should take place one week after the Independence Anniversary celebrations . 21 The academic school holiday, which last for six weeks, also starts at the end of June . Hence classrooms, playing fields and other school amenities could be utilized for the Games requirements as well . The following sports will be featured during the Games:

No Sport Venue Gender Status 1 Track & Field (Athletics) SI National University Stadium Male & Female To be constructed 2 Football - (11 Soccer) Lawson Tama(LT) Male & Female Ready - Futsal Multi-Purpose/Maranatha H Male Ready - Beach AE Oval/DJ Park/Ginger B Male Ready 3 Rugby - 7s Rugby Stadium – T/Ground Male Ready -15s Rugby Stadium – T/Ground Male Ready Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific 4 Touch Rugby Rugby Stadium – T/Ground Male & Female Ready 5 Basketball Multi-Purpose Hall -LT Male & Female Ready 6 Netball National Stadium Female TBC 22 7 Swimming National Stadium Male &Female TBC 8 Martial Arts National Gym Male & Female TBC 9 Volleyball – Indoor Lawson Tama Male & Female Ready Multi – Purpose Hall Male & Female Ready 10 Beach Volleyball AE Oval Male & Female Ready Ginger Beach Retreat Male & Female Ready 11 Archery National Stadium Male & Female TBC 12 Shooting Betikama Rifle Range Male & Female TBC 13 Va’a Point Cruz Male & Female Ready 14 Sailing Point Cruz Yacht Club Male & Female Ready 15 Weight/Power lifting National Stadium Male & Female TBC Multi-Purpose Hall Ready Pavillion Ready 16 Body Building National Stadium Male & Female TBC Maranatha Hall Ready Pavilion Ready 17 Judo National Stadium Male & Female TBC 18 Tae Kwan do National Stadium Male & Female TBC 19 Lawn Tennis Lawson Tama Male & Female Ready G-Club 20 Table Tennis Maranatha Hall Male & Female Ready Police Club Ready Bishop Epalle Hall Ready KGVI Hall Ready Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Don Bosco School Hall Ready St Nicholas School Hall Ready 21 Golf Golf Club Kukum Male & Female Ready 23 22 Boxing Same as Table Tennis Male & Female Ready 23 Lawn Tennis Lawson Tama Male & Female Ready National Stadium TBC 24 Softball National Stadium Male & Female TNC 25 Wrestling National Stadium Male & Female TBC 26 Hockey Don Bosco Field Male & Female Ready 27 Triathlon AE Oval and along Male & Female Ready Honiara selected roads 28 Lawn Bowls GBR Male & Female Ready 29 Cricket King George Oval Men Ready A total of 29 Sports will be hosted in the 2023 XVII Pacific Games

IV ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

To achieve the Visions of the Games founding fathers, the Organizing Committee of the 2023 Pacific Games shall consist of the best sports leaders the country can offer .

1. Charter and Legal Status: The Organizing Committee will be incorporated under an Act of Parliament . An Interim Committee is currently on the job now only awaiting Cabinet’s final decision on their appointments . It is anticipated the Interim Committee will be blessed and to be officially gazetted upon cabinet endorsement

Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific early 2016 .

As soon as the Bid is successful, the Bill will be tabled in Parliament that will establish a Games Authority . This Authority will be responsible for the 24 overall administration of the Games .

2. Organizational Chart: The Organizational chart of the OC will be as shown in “Annexure A”, which shows the relationship with and representation of the PGC and the Na- tional PGA . The OC will be constituted in accordance with the terms of Regulation 20 of the Charter . 3. Proposed Committee Structure The OC will be constituted in accordance with the terms of Regulation 18 of the Charter . The current Interim Committee however, was collected to- gether to activate the process of the Bid intentions:-

Chairman Gabriel Suri – Lawyer by profession . He was former Attorney General of Solomon Islands . He has and still is Chairman of numerous Government Statutory bodies including that of the Solomon Islands National Sports Council .

Vice Chairman Martin Rara is a Sports Administrator within the Ministry of Home Affairs . Currently, he is President of the National Olympic Committee of Solomon

Islands (NOCSI) and President of Athletics Solomon, President of the Pacific Games Association of Solomon Islands, President Commonwealth Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Games Association of Solomon Islands .

Secretary 25 This position is shared between Melinda Avosa, Secretary General of NOCSI, and John Bakeua – Director of Sports /Ministry of Home Affairs and CEO (Ag) / Solomon Islands National Sports Council . Melinda was formerly employed as EPS for Price Waterhouse now taken over by Wayne & Sojnocki Charted Accountants . John Bakeua, on the other hand, has and still is heavily engaged with sports organizing - Boxing, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Chess are some of his current involvements . He was also a member of the Board organizing the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts in 2012 and was Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee .

Treasurer Clyde Funusui, the Financial Controller of the Ministry of Home Affairs has been identified for this position

Committee Members George Selwyn Palua – Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs . Apart from his quite demanding job as PS for the Ministry, George also avails himself to other responsibilities as Chairperson or member of boards in the Church, Constituency and Corporate entities . Other people involved are: Under-Secretary (Technical) - John Foteliwale Special Secretary to the Prime Minister – Ronald Fugui SI Football Federation CEO – Neil Poloso SI Rugby President – Frank Wickham, Currently CEO of the National Fisheries Sports Development Officer – Casper Pule . He is also Secretary to Athletic Solomon

4. Human Resources Plans: Membership of the proposed Games Authority and the various sub-committees will be drawn from the community, the government, the Host City and

Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific from technical expertise to be engaged from overseas .

All efforts will be made to have as many members of the Bid Committee as possible to be retained in the OC . 26 5. Volunteer Programs: The OC will be supported by over 300 volunteers to be drawn from holidaying students and others in Honiara, mainly from the sports federations that are members of the local PGA, the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (“NOCSI”) . They will operate under the leadership of the Director of Volunteer Corp who heads one of the subcommittees within the Games Authority

Director of Sports The co-ordination of various sporting activities, technical staff including presentation of awards will form the basis for well-organized Games . This will come under the leadership of the Director of Sports .

Director of Games Village A sub-committee looking after the Games Village will also be established . This sub-committee will be headed by a Director to oversee all matters of logistics and service delivery at each of the proposed five Games Villages . The committees will co-ordinate the efforts with the volunteer group to ensure effective tasking of man-power and supplies .

Director Venue and Facilities This sub-committee will be the first to start immediately after the bid is won . A Director will also be appointed who will work closely with the gov- ernment, through the National Sports Council and NOCSI to ensure that all venues and facilities earmarked for the Games are completed in time . Thereafter, this committee will ensure that venues and facilities remain ready for each scheduled sports competition .

Director Securities The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and the Honiara City Law enforcement officers and the Guadalcanal Province Police will be working close-

ly with the Director of Securities . Together they will deal with the recruitment, training, and tasking of manpower for the security needs of Athletes, Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Officials and guests of the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara . Priority wise, Security is first, foremost and non-negotiable

Director of Marketing 27 Like the Venues and Facilities sub-committee, Marketing and Sponsorship will form the back-bone of the preparation of the Games . The Director of Marketing will ensure that his committee raises public awareness both within and outside the country in order to draw in needed revenue and tech- nical know-how . The OC will ensure that key nationals and friends from both the private and public sectors get involved in this important task . An important assignment awaiting this committee is the planning, launching and management of National Lotteries’ as part of the Games’ fundrais- ing efforts .

Director of Media Services Maximum exposure of the Games throughout the country and beyond will enhance not only the Games Vision but will also benefit Solomon Islands in the short, medium and long term . The sub-committee headed by a Director of Media Services will shoulder this important responsibility .

Membership of this key committee will be drawn from the local media as well as from overseas .

Director of Liaison Timely inputs and involvement by relevant government and semi-government bodies at crucial times is critical from the preparatory stage right up to the Games period . Certain Laws and Regulations have to be complied with and permits and licenses issued . These will be achieved with maximum co-operation between the OC and the relevant government authorities . The task will be performed by the Director of Government Liaison and his sub-committee .

Director of Events The main assignment of this sub-committee under the Director will be the organization of the Opening & Closing Ceremonies and other events required to add quality to the Games

Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific The Torch Relay will be one of the important events to be organized and supervised by the Committee

28 V. PAST SPORTS EVENTS & OTHER MAJOR EVENTS

Solomon Islands prides itself in hosting the first and most successful Mini Pacific Games in 1981 . It also played host to the FIFA Under 17 World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in 1998 . Sir Bobby Charlton was the Guest of Honor at the Opening of the refurbished Lawson Tama Soccer Stadium in 2001 and in 2004, the FIFA World Cup qualifying rounds was held in Honiara . Additionally, Solomon Islands also hosted the home matches against Australia for the Oceania FIFA WORLD CUP finals against Australia in 2006 .

In recent times, there has been a number of international gatherings in Honiara and other parts of the country, including the visit of the Prime Ministers of Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, their Foreign Ministers, the visit of the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the visit of the Head of the Anglican Community the Arch Bishop of Canterbury and of equal excellence, the hosting of the recent 11th Festival of Pacific Arts and the Miss South Pacific Pageant in 2012 . The Royal couple, Prince William and Princess Kate spent time three days Solomon Islands to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year . New tourist resorts have been opened in various parts of the country and tourists have moved around freely with no fear of threats or intimidation . The 11th Festival of Pacific Arts was the real turning point of Solomon Islands image both locally and abroad . As a result of that event, a research group, Lonely Planet based in the UK, reported in Best in Travel 2013, Top 10 citing Solomon Islands in sixth (6th) position . For more info, you may log onto the following website .

VI. TECHNICAL OFFICIALS

In respect of the sports listed for the 2023 Games, there are very few technical people currently available locally to organize and manage events . Where expert assistance is required, the NOCSI and the Government will source assistance from outside their perimeters in consultation with the relevant federations Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Local training of coachers and technical staff will be organized at least two years from the Games date .

Current pool of technical officials is as follows:- 29

Sport Badge Holder Athletics 10 Oceania badge Basketball 2 IBF Badge, 3 Oceania Boxing 1 AIABA, 1 Oceania, 6 SIABA Weight Lifting 2 Oceania Badge holders Netball 4 IFNA Badge, 18 SINFED Lawn Tennis 4 local umpires Table Tennis 8 Oceania Certified Volleyball 4 Oceania Badge Soccer 14 FIFA , 10 Oceania Rugby 4 Oceania This obvious shortfall will be bridged through a coordinated and planned program aimed at training and equipping the required number of technical expertise in readiness for the Games and beyond .

VII. FACILITIES

1. Sports and Related Facilities Existing facilities include Lawson Tama FIFA Stadium; King George VI School sports fields, the Golf Club facilities and the Multi-Purpose Hall Gym- nasium at Lawson Tama . There is also the Don Bosco Hall, St . Nicholas and Bishop Epalle School Halls, Maranatha Auditorium also available for the Games . The KGVI School fields and those at the Solomon Islands National University are adequate as training venues for athletes .

Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific A new Rugby Stadium located at the Honiara Town Ground area is now completed and is ready for usage . Total spectator capacity will be 8,000

The main venues for the Games will be at the National Sports Complex on RIPEL Land Lot 286 Henderson, see “Annexures B” . Construction of the 30 Sports Complex will begin as soon as the next sitting of Parliament (in January/February 2016) approves the Supplementary Bill on the proposed com- plex . The crowd capacity of the stadium within the complex will have up to 30,000 (grand stand for 8,000)

The Solomon Islands National Sports Council also has a 45 hectare piece of land at Burns Creek which will also accommodate a number of buildings and fields to be constructed in preparation for the Games .

Additional fields at Naha, Kukum, SINU and White River School are now being assigned to an Architectural Engineer to design International facilities that will be built in these areas also in preparations for the 2023 Games .

The Youth and Sports people of Honiara and the country at large will have access to these facilities even if the games were to miss Solomon Islands for the fourth time . 2. Games Village The main Games Villages will be the KGVI and SINU campuses at Panatina and Kukum . These together will accommodate about 3,000 athletes . Ad- ditional accommodation will be secured should the need arise, from other institutions such as the Don Bosco Youth Center and the Betikama SDA College .

Athletes will be housed in rooms with four (4) to a room, using double bunker beds .

The rooms will not be air-conditioned but will have ceiling or table fans . Each unit has toilet and shower facilities which will be upgraded for the Games .

Each of the three campuses, including the reserved institutions, has its own dining facilities . Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Meal time will be as follows:

Meals Times 31 Breakfast 6 .00 – 10 .30 Lunch 12 .00 – 2 .30 Dinner 18 .00 – 22 .30

Throughout the day refreshments and coffee will be available from 6 .00am till 12 midnight at all venues .

Medical Center There will be two medical centers; one to be located at the KGVI School and the other will be at the Kukum Campus of SINU

Press Center The main Press Center will be located at the Panatina Campus Pavilion of the SINU Banking After discussions with the three commercial Banks in Honiara, they all have agreed to locate their banking services at each of the Games Villages for currency exchange and withdrawals . Additional ATM’s will be provided throughout the City to meet demand .

For money transfers, the Solomon Islands Postal Corporation offers services through the Western Union .

Postal & Telecommunication Services Solomon Telekom has the capacity to establish temporary telecommunication outlets at a central location at each of the Games village . This will include internet cafes and printing services . Telecommunication services will be provided at the National Stadium, close to the Center of sporting Activities Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific For Postal services, athletes may use Solomon Post, operated by Solomon Islands Postal Corporation .

32 Travel Bureau The main travel office will be located at King George VI High School . Arrangements are being made with all the existing airlines and travel agencies to do likewise .

Dry-Cleaning and Laundry Each Games village will have a dry cleaning and laundry facility with capacity to service needs of athletes . Athletes will do their own washing when it comes to personal clothing and uniforms, otherwise the laundry staff will be available to assist at cost to the OC

Other Facilities To add to Athletes comfort and well-being, additional facilities for the following will be placed at each Games village – • Indoor entertainment for snooker /pools / chess / darts and card games • Film shows with large screens TV access • Physiotherapy rooms • Meeting Houses – Fales- Maneabas – Bilas • Open stage for Guest speakers and / or performance to do live shows.

3. Accommodation HQ Hotel for Council and PGA members Members of the Games Council and PGA delegates will be accommodated at the Mendana Kitano Hotel at Point Cruz . Alternative accommodation will be the Heritage Park Hotel, also at Point Cruz .

Each of the Hotels provides Bar, Restaurants, internet, conference and International telephone services . Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Technical Officials, IF delegates, Media personnel, and others may be accommodated at the Heritage Park Hotel, the King Solomon’s or Pacific Casino Hotels . All these are within five (5) minutes’ drive to the main Games venue . 33 3.1 Hotels Entry into Honiara will be via the Honiara International Airport where International guests are seen steadily arriving for business or pleasure . In 2014, statistics showed that around 12,000 visitors came into the country for fun and pleasure . This is a marked difference from the dark days the country recently went through .

The Tourism Industry is growing in the Solomon Islands with plans of more accommodation in progress .

There are six major Hotels in Honiara with capacity of up to 800 rooms . Almost all major Hotels are undergoing major extension work to accommo- date the increasing visitor arrivals and local demand .

In addition to Hotels, there are a good number of quality and affordable motels located throughout the city as well Hotels Rooms Rates USD Location Kitano Mendana 150 130 Central Honiara Heritage Park 120 140 Point Cruz West King Solomon’s 120 140 Hibiscus Avenue Iron Bottom Sound 120 130 Prince Phillip Highway Pacific Casino 140 120 Kukum Sea Front Coral Sea Casino Resort 110 130 Rove Drive Honiara Hotel 180 130 Central Honiara Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

34 4. Relative Distances from and to Venues The chart below shows the relative distance(s) to and from venues from the games villages:-

From To Distance (Km) Average Time KGVI NHS Main Stadium 2 4m Lawson Tama 3 5m Rugby Stadium 5 7m Golf Club 1 2m Panatina Campus Main Stadium 3 5m Lawson Tama 3 5m Rugby Stadium 5 7m Golf .3 1m Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Kukum Main Stadium 4 6m Lawson Tama 3 5m Rugby Stadium 4 6m 35 Golf 3 5m Betikama College Main Stadium 3 5m Lawson Tama 5 7m Rugby Stadium 3 5m Golf 6 8m Don Bosco Main Stadium 2 4m Lawson Tama 5 7m Rugby Stadium 6 8m Golf 3 5m 5. Transportation Arrangements Transport arrangement will be as follows; Each Country and Territory participating at the Games will be allocated coaches and minibuses - with drivers - based on team size . Coaches and Mini Buses will also operate from the Games villages to the main venues . Drivers and Buses will be located at each Games village .

Other vehicles and cars In order to ease movement of teams’ management during the Games period, cars and other vehicles will be made available on request . Each country and territory will be provided with at least two (2) cars which will remain with the team for the duration of the Games .

Council Group

Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Members of the Council will be picked up at their hotels by designated mini buses to and from Games venues or other destinations . They will, in addition, be allocated two cars for their own use .

36 The President of the Games Council will be allocated a car and a driver . The other executive members of the Council will also be allocated one car and driver each . Similar privileges will be accorded any “Life Member” who will be visiting Honiara for the Games .

Representatives of International Federations that will be in Honiara for the Games will be housed in one hotel to allow for easy delivery of transportation .

Others During the Games period, buses will be organized to operate to and from hotels on a 10 minute cycle . This is to ensure that members of the media, technical officials, VIP’s from participating countries and territories will be provided with efficient transportation .

Ministers who will be at the Games, either by invitation or in official capacities, will also be provided with cars and drivers .

General Team Transportation for team managers and athletes are catered for under the arrangements for each Games Village .

In summary, the OC will comply with the transport requirements described at Regulation 12 .12 .9 of the Games Charter .

Grouping Coach Mini-Bus Special Vehicle Car on Request Car Designated Other President • Exc . Board Member • • Life Members • Others • IF Delegates/Observers • • VIPs •

Technical Officials • • Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Press • • Team Managers • PGA’s • 37 Athletes • • Others •

VIII. General Arrangements

Village per dium As special guests to our country, Athletes to the 2023 Games in Honiara will NOT be required to pay any per dium for meals, accommodation and transportation . These will be provided free of charge by the Government of Solomon Islands and the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands .

Transport grant to be offered All transport for athletes and officials will be free as these will be absorbed by the Games budget . Hospital and medical facilities offered Each Games village will be provided with a clinic . Arrangements will be made with the Honiara Referral Hospital to designate certain facilities and staff to serve the medical and medicinal needs of athletes and Games Officials if the need arises .

Drug Testing Procedure With Solomon Islands now a fully-fledged member of WADA, we will ensure that effective anti-doping administration is put in place for the Games . Athletes may be tested at any time and at any place .

Arrangements will be made with the Oceania Regional Anti-Doping Organization (ORADO) in relation to drug testing of athletes prior to and during the Games period . Through their advice the name of the proper laboratory will be identified and information provided to the Games Council and other

Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific participating PGA’s .

Arrangements for transportation of samples will also be discussed and agreed with the identified laboratory . 38 Transport Honiara City is blessed with so many buses and taxis per capita in the entire South Pacific . Buses can be boarded at three / five minute intervals from anywhere in the City . Taxis - even more frequent . As we write, there are fifteen taxi services operating in the City each with a fleet averaging between 10 and 30 vehicles, all linked by radios . Numerous other taxi operators work as individuals . Fares vary between SBD $5 / $7 per kilometer .

There are also several other hire car businesses operating in Honiara . Popular ones include; Dreamline Car Rentals, KOSOL Rental, Supreme Cars, Budget and Economy Car Rentals .

Village Services The Games will be the nerve center of the entire Games . It is NOCSI’s desire to make these venues, places at which there is security, peace and comfort for all athletes . Whilst the villages will be inter-connected in terms of communication and transportation, they each will be independent in terms of management and administration .

Dining facilities will be at each village, to avoid movement to and from dinning venues (if they are centrally located .)

Nightly cultural and live show entertainments will be provided at each Games village for athletes and officials relaxing purpose . Solomon Islands is a land of abundant cultures and will wish to show case this richness during the Games .

IX. FINANCES

1. Proposed Budget

It is the Government’s commitment to allocate adequate funds towards the capital and operating costs of the Games . Revenue generated through Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Marketing and Sponsorship will also provide for the operating cost .

The main capital cost component will go towards the construction of the new National Sports Complex on RIPEL land and other related facilities 39 upgrade . Funding for these projects will be provided with the assistance of the government of the Republic of China, Taiwan . A proposed summary of the budget is as follows:-

Revenue SBD USD Expense Item SBD USD SIG Contribution 100 m 12 .4m Food 40,000,000 .00 4 .9m Aid Project assistance 750 m 93 .3m Accommodation 23,000,000 .00 2 .8m Sponsorship 50 m 6 .2m Transport Hire 16,000,000 .00 1 .9m Fund-raising 20 m 2 .4m Village Services 37,000,000 .00 4 .5m Ticketing 20 m 2 .4m Telecommunications 20,000,000 .00 2 .4m Per dium NIL Technical Services 29,000,000 .00 3 .5m Other – Donations/Grants/Lotteries 60 m 7 .4m Office Rentals 15,000,000 .00 1 .8m Total Revenue 1B 124 .5m Utilities 30,000,000 .00 3 .7m Fees 50,000,000 .00 6 .2m Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Total 260,000,000 .00 32 .1m

Expenditures 40 Capital 290 m 36 .1m National Stadium Complex 130 m 16 .1m Facilities & Equipment 100 m 12 .4m Other venue upgrades 20 m 2 .4m Transport 540 m 67 .2m Total Capital cost

Operating 260 m 32 .3m Games Expenses * 10 m 1 .2m Organizing Committee 100 m 12 .4m Competition Equipment 90 m 11 .2m Marketing Cost 460m 57 .2m 1B 124 .5 Total Expenses 2 . Sources of Income The main source of funding will be the Government of Solomon Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan) . In addition, a national lottery will be organized and operated jointly by NOCSI and the National Sports Council – NSC .

In consultation with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce, an agreement will be secured in relation to sponsorship and tax exemptions to attract contribution to the fund . The consultations will ensure that there is no conflict of sponsorships .

Major sponsorship agreements will be secured with selected corporate houses, in particular the leading banks, the National Provident Fund and other targeted companies operating in Solomon Islands . Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Co-ordination of these fund raising and sponsorship efforts will be done by the OC .

X. GUARANTEES 41 As required under the Games Charter, the following Guarantees are assured:

1 . The Government of Solomon Islands guarantees the payment of the Host Fee . On being awarded the Games, the NOCSI will execute forthwith the Host contract and will comply with the commitments stated in Protocols 2, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, & 18 inclusive of a host fee as set by Council .

2 . All member nations and territories of the Pacific Games Council will be invited to take part in the 2023 XVII Pacific Games inoniara, H Solomon Islands .

NOCSI also confirms that members of participating contingents at the Games entering Solomon Islands will be exempted from payment of airport taxes and visa fees (where applicable) . All persons entering Solomon Islands will be issued with three months visitors’ visas upon entry as is allowed under Solomon Islands Immigration Laws . The Solomon Islands Constitution guarantees freedom from discrimination based race, color, gender, religion and association (including political affiliation .)

3 . There are no laws in existence which will restrict, interfere with the Games in any way nature or form . Where compliance with local laws is required in respect of any particular sport (s) the OC will secure permits and or licenses from the relevant authority(s) .

4 . All contractual obligations required under the Games Charter will be performed and carried, in particular those which relate to the PGC Guides of minimum requirements included in Draft Contract relating to Games Village, Media, Marketing, and Accreditation .

Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific Import duty exemptions will also be secured for Games participants in order to ensure that items brought into the country in connection with the Games will be free of duty .

42 5 . This Bid Document is prepared consistent with Regulation 20 of the Games Charter, in particular Protocol 1 to that Regulation

6 . The sport of Shooting, firearm licenses will have to be obtained from the Firearms and Ammunition Board . Applications for such licenses will be made by the OC on behalf of and for each participant in the sport . The relevant law is the Firearms and Ammunitions Act .

7 . International TV and Broadcast Rights: Broadcasting the Games The OC will seek linkage with Sports Broadcast Specialists, Octagon, and the Solomon Telekom to ensure that maximum broadcasting output is achieved throughout the Games . It is the desire of the OC to ensure that the Games are seen in all the participating nations and territories . The main features of the broadcasting will be the Opening and Closing ceremonies . During the Games, the broadcast will include a daily feed of sports highlight for 12 days and maximum number of hours required to broadcast sports actions covering all sports . As part of the pre-Games publicity campaign, the OC will in consultation with Solomon Telekom and the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, run series of educational programs every week during the twelve months leading up to the Games . International Broadcast Rights: Consistent with the Games Charter, the OC recognizes the exclusive right of the Games Council to International TV and Radio broadcasts, including the archiving of materials related thereto . There are no domestic laws etc . which will impinge on those rights, although there are regulatory laws .

8 . Host Broadcast signals: Discussions are being arranged with Solomon Islands Television Board and Solomon Telekom to facilitate allocation of TV channels and transmission by visiting media of live broadcasts . Adequate facilities will be provided for the host broadcaster on financial terms to be agreed upon . Such costs will be borne as part of the Games Budgetary commitments .

Local TV and radio coverage will be carried out by the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation and Telekom TV . The latter will be required, with the

assistance and support of the OC, to increase airtime at cost to the OC . Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

As part of the planning for the Games, the services of Solomon Telekom will be sourced to ensure that the minimum standards prescribed by the Council in relation to Television and Radio signal, Internet content, and all Television and radio archives created for the Games are met . Progress reports 43 on these aspects of the preparation program will be submitted to the Games Council .

9 . Telecommunication Facilities Solomon Telekom and BMobile Vodafone will continue to provide a high level of communication services including telephone, data and internet services to its current nationwide customer base . Reliable underground cables provide a network of communication enabling all visitors to call back home and have them calls billed against their home based accounts . The availability of a GSM mobile service in the capital, the international roaming capability is a possible service and a number of internet café provides additional high speed data access from Telekom enabling visitor’s access to international communications . Solomon Telekom is a reliable support mechanism for all communication need 10. Communications

Media Committee The media sub-committee will coordinate and supervise all media activities to ensure maximum and free coverage of the Games, subject to accreditation procedures .

Main Press Center The Media Center will be located at the Panatina Campus of the Solomon Islands National University and will come under the management of a supervisor of the Director for Media Services – a sub-committee of the Games Authority . The Press and Media Center will be linked to the sports sub-committee to ensure that there is effective transmission of information on various events

Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific and programs taking place at various localities . Transportation for the media and the press come under the Service sub-committee . We guarantee that the media will be having access to transportation during the course of the Games . 44 Accredited International media staff will be accommodated at the King Solomon Hotel along Hibiscus Avenue in Honiara . This Hotel is within 10 minutes travel time to all sports venues .

Broadcast Locations The National Stadium will offer excellent broadcast facilities . Broadcasts from other venues will be arranged with the SIBC and Solomon Telekom under the coordination of the Media Committee .

Photographers Accredited photographers will form part of the media staff and will be serviced by the Media Committee . Within each venue, areas for photographers will be identified and clearly marked . Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles Enhancing the Pacific

45 Enhancing the Pacific Way in the Hapi Isles