BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum campus came alive with cheers, laughter and competitive spirit this week as the SINU Inter-Faculty Easter Games concluded successfully on Tuesday evening with prize presentations and celebrations.
The two-day sporting event, which kicked off on Easter Monday, brought together students from across the university’s faculties to compete in football, volleyball and netball, turning the campus grounds into a lively arena of youthful energy.
By the time the final whistle blew on Tuesday evening, it was DFL UPC that proudly walked away with the football championship trophy and a $2000 cash prize, while SINUSA finished second with $1500, and Nursing and Public Health secured third place with $1000.
Adding prestige to the closing ceremony was the presence of Director of the National Training Unit (NTU) under SITESA, John Inomae, who presented the trophies and prizes to the winning teams.
From the sidelines to the finals, the tournament drew a strong turnout of students who packed the venue, cheering loudly for their faculties in what organisers described as more than just a sporting contest.
Event organiser and SINU Student Association (SINUSA) President Father Ashley Tome said the Easter Games were primarily about bringing students together.
“The purpose of hosting this inter-faculty tournament or Easter Games is just to provide a time for the university and faculty students to interact and know each other, and be part of the games as a celebration for this Easter session,” Father Tome said.
He explained that participation was strong, particularly in football where 12 teams representing the university’s six faculties took part.
“For soccer we have 12 teams. There are six university faculties and each faculty has two teams,” he said.
The event, he added, is an annual initiative organised by SINUSA, that aims to strengthen unity among students while encouraging a healthy balance between academic life and sports.
“This Easter sporting event brings unity amongst students, staff, and also brings students from each faculty to know each other well,” Father Tome said.
While the tournament lasted only two days, he admitted organising such events was not without challenges.
“Sometimes we need more time to organise and to make students come together is a little bit challenging. You have to commit your time as a leader for the success of such an event,” he said.
Among the biggest celebrations of the evening came from the DFL UPC football team, whose captain Samuel Saefafia credited teamwork and determination for their victory.
“The main thing that led us to victory today was our teamwork of togetherness—staying connected together.
“Even though we do not have a coach, we always listened to our senior players in the team,” Saefafia said.
Saefafia said the win meant a great deal to the team, especially after falling short in previous competitions.
“We have been into some previous games but we always lose, but now we became the champions,” he said.
Vice President of SINUSA and sponsor representative Ken Maedala said the enthusiastic turnout demonstrated the power of sport in strengthening relationships among students.
“Sports unite students together. In class students have different sessions and lectures, but when it comes to sports, they interact and recognise each other well,” Maedala said.
He added that the event also encourages students to stay active.
“One of the main aims of organising such sporting events is to keep students fit and active from hours of sitting in class,” he said.
Organisers have already set their sights on expanding the event next year, with plans to improve uniforms and potentially introduce more sporting opportunities.
For now, however, the campus victory chants belong to DFL UPC, whose players and supporters celebrated late into the evening—proving that sometimes the best classroom lessons happen not inside lecture halls, but on the playing field.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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