Despite logistical and fuel challenges, Choiseul organisers prepare to identify top athletes for Team Lauru ahead of Solomon Games 2026
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The upcoming Lauru Games 2026 will play a major role in identifying Choiseul Province’s top athletes for the Solomon Games 2026 despite logistical and transport challenges faced by organisers.
The Games, organised by the Office of the NSC–PSRDO, Lauru Sports Division and the Local Organising Committee (LOC), will be held from June 8 to 10 at two venues — Taro and Wagina.
Netball and athletics competitions will be staged in Taro while Wagina will host both beach volleyball and indoor volleyball events.
Lauru Games Sports and Recreation Development Officer (SRDO), Brian Koveke, told Island Sun that the Games will serve as the official selection pathway for Team Lauru ahead of the Solomon Games scheduled for July 6–10 in Honiara.
“The purpose of the Games is to identify and select elite athletes who will represent Team Lauru at the Solomon Games 2026,” Koveke said.
He said around 30 affiliated netball clubs are expected to participate, alongside athletics competitors and school-based athletes.
“The number of players expected to participate in netball is about 30 clubs affiliated with the Lauru Netball Association,” he said.
Koveke added that organisers are taking a stricter approach this year by ensuring only active and properly affiliated clubs participate in the Games.
“We are making sure clubs are active and aligned with programmes under the federation,” he explained.
According to Koveke, athlete selection will not only depend on sporting performance but also discipline and behaviour during the Games.
“We look at performance, skills and talented athletes, but we also look at discipline.
“If a player is skilful but not disciplined, that player cannot be selected,” he said.
He added that safeguarding rules and official Games regulations will also guide the selection process.
Koveke said the broader goal of the Games is to empower youths through sports while promoting unity across Choiseul Province.
“The main goal is to bring in youths; empowering youths through sports and bring unity together,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Local Organising Committee Chairman Christopher Makoni said both Taro and Wagina are prepared to host the competitions despite facing major logistical challenges.
“Wagina for both indoor and beach volleyball is prepared and Taro is also prepared for Monday games,” Makoni said.
However, he admitted that transport and fuel costs remain among the biggest concerns for organisers.
“One of our biggest logistical challenges is transport and the high cost of fuel,” he said.
Makoni explained that sea transport remains the main means of travel in Choiseul Province, making transportation of teams expensive and difficult.
Accommodation has also become another challenge, particularly in Taro, which contributed to the decision to split the Games into two venues.
“That’s one reason why we have two venues,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Makoni said organisers are determined to successfully host the Games and identify quality athletes to represent the province.
“With the limited resources and challenges, we still look forward to hosting this event and selecting good players for the Solomon Games,” he said.
The Choiseul Sports & Recreation Development Program earlier announced that only sports associations and clubs affiliated and registered with the National Sports Council Solomon Islands (NSCSI) will be eligible to compete.
Prizes will also be awarded to teams and athletes finishing first, second and third in their respective events.
The Lauru Games has continued to serve as an important provincial sporting platform to identify and develop talented athletes from across Choiseul ahead of national competitions such as the Solomon Games.
Photo credit: Supplied
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