Team Solomon’s Glasgow campaign gets a fundraising boost through star-studded music show
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
A star-studded music fundraising show featuring local artists and international performer Demas Soul from Papua New Guinea is set to take centre stage next month as part of efforts to support Solomon Islands athletes preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) Fundraising Committee revealed details of the event during a press conference held yesterday afternoon at Cowboys Grill and Bar, where organisers introduced the artists who will perform live during the fundraising show scheduled for July 4.
NOCSI representative Simon Chotu said the fundraising event was organised to help raise much-needed financial support for Team Solomon athletes travelling to represent the country at the Commonwealth Games.
“Currently, we are raising funds for tickets for the athletes to go. The government has limited budget funding, so we are trying to generate funds to support our athletes,” Chotu said.
He said the committee’s goal is not only to support the current group of athletes but also to increase the number of representatives travelling from different sporting federations.
“At the moment only six athletes will travel, but it should be more than that. We want to send around 24 athletes representing all the federations to go for the Games,” Chotu said.
He added that the fundraising will also provide ongoing support for athletes while they are in Glasgow.
“Every time athletes rely on government, but the government may only buy the ticket. When athletes go there, they stay at the camp and sometimes cannot do much else. This fundraising committee is to continue doing more fundraising in the future to support our athletes,” he said.
The July 4 fundraising show will be held at the NHA Dining Hall, KG6, with organisers confirming a lineup featuring some of Solomon Islands’ well-known musicians alongside international acts.
PNG music icon Demas Soul, who is visiting Solomon Islands for the first time, said he was honoured to be part of an event supporting Team Solomon.
“It’s an honour and privilege to come here and support this fundraising for our athletes. This is a national event,” Demas Soul said.
The PNG artist said he is looking forward to performing alongside local artists and the Black Wine Band, who will provide live backing during the show.
Local artists including Mia, Chelsea and Trabol Sum also expressed their excitement in supporting the fundraising initiative.
Mia said being part of the event was an opportunity to contribute towards supporting Team Solomon athletes.
“It is an opportunity to support our athletes,” she said.
Chelsea encourages the public to come out and support the event, saying the funds raised will directly contribute towards Team Solomon’s preparations.
“I am happy to support Team Solomon so that one day I can look back and remember that I was part of supporting our athletes,” she said.
Trabol Sum said music and sports remain as two important identities of Solomon Islands.
“Music and sports are one of the big identities in Solomon Islands. Supporting sports is just like supporting music being a Solomon Islander,” he said.
The fundraising committee also confirmed support from several corporate partners, including Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company as the Gold Sponsor, with other companies coming on board through corporate table arrangements.
According to the organisers, corporate tables are available for businesses, while individual tickets are also available for VIP and general admission supporters.
The July 4 event will feature performances from Demas Soul, Justin Wellington, DMP, Sharzy, Paeva, Black Wine Band, Nicole and other local performers, with food and drinks also available on the night.
Team Solomon is preparing to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year, with athletes from different sporting federations expected to represent the country on the international stage.
The NOCSI Fundraising Committee was established to create additional fundraising opportunities to support athlete participation and ensure Solomon Islands can send a stronger delegation to major international sporting events.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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