BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Soccer League 2026 was officially launched on Friday at the SINU Kukum Campus, with university leaders describing the competition as a platform to nurture sporting talent, student wellbeing and campus unity.
The launch ceremony featured a colorful parade by participating teams representing SINU’s five faculties ahead of the start of competition matches this week.
Speaking during the official opening, SINU Acting Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Eric Katovai acknowledged the university’s Campus Life, Welfare and Sports Department for organising the tournament and promoting active sporting participation among students and staff.
Katovai said the competition could become an important pathway for students with sporting potential to progress further in their football careers.
“For some of you participating in this league, this may be the beginning of something much greater.
“You may discover talents that could take you to provincial, national, regional or even international levels,” he said.
He encouraged young players and staff members participating in the competition to take the opportunity seriously and use the league to develop their abilities both on and off the field.
“Many successful sporting careers begin on fields just like this one. I encourage our students and young staff members to give their very best and see where their abilities may lead them in the future,” Katovai said.
While stressing the competitive aspect of the tournament, the Acting Vice Chancellor said the wider purpose of the league is to strengthen relationships within the university community.
“The SINU Soccer League is an opportunity to foster teamwork, discipline, leadership, friendship and a strong sense of community across our university.
“Sport is not only about winning. It is also about the relationships we build, the respect we show one another and the lessons we learn both on and off the field,” he said.
Katovai also reminded participants to uphold good sportsmanship throughout the competition by respecting teammates, opponents, match officials and supporters.
The SINU Soccer League will feature both men’s and women’s divisions and is expected to run throughout June before concluding with prize presentations for the winning teams at the end of the month.
Competition matches are scheduled to begin on Monday, June 8, at the SINU Kukum Campus.
The launch ceremony was attended by Pro Vice Chancellor Corporate Dr William Parairato, BICS Manager Samson Bisafo, National Sports Council representative Mr. Atu, SINUSA President, as well as SINU staff and students.
The revival of organised sports competitions at SINU comes as the university continues efforts to rebuild campus sporting culture following its transition from the former Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE). Organisers say the league also aims to promote student health, social interaction and participation in structured sporting activities across the university community.
Photo credit: SINU Fb page
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