STORY: Solomon Islands athletes to train in China for 2023 Pacific Games
DATELINE: July 1, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:59
LOCATION: Honiara
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the posters
2. various of Li Ming, the Chinese ambassador to the Solomon Islands
3. various of Jimmie Rodgers, Chairman of National Hosting Authority
4. various of Joe Sika, Chairman of National Sports Council
5. various of Martin Rara, president and chairman of the organizing committee of the 2023 Pacific Games
6. various of athletes

STORYLINE:

A total of 80 athletes and coaches from the Solomon Islands will have a 90-day training camp in China to prepare for the upcoming 2023 Pacific Games.

The athletes heading for China come from a variety of sports including boxing, judo, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, athletics and weightlifting.

The Chinese embassy to the Solomon Islands held a commissioning ceremony for their training tour on Friday at a stadium in Honiara.

The stadium, with a capacity of about 10,000 people, is set to be the main venue of the Games due to start in November this year.

The Solomon Islands will send 650 athletes to the Games.

"The expectation of the country for the Games is 40 gold medals and 100 in total. That is a challenge for us so that's why we need to look to other venues where the athletes' skills could be sharpened and be more competent," said Martin Rara, president and chairman of the organizing committee of the 2023 Pacific Games.

Kelwin Kole, a primary school teacher in Honiara and a judo player, said he is proud to have his first overseas training in China.

"We are seeking 40 gold medals and I am part of it. I am proud to have that training in China so that I could win a medal for my country," said Kole.

The Chinese ambassador to the Solomon Islands Li Ming said that the athletes will receive high-level training in China, experience Chinese culture, and see the country's development.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Honiara.
(XHTV)