NSC announces medal incentives ahead of Glasgow Commonwealth Games
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The National Sports Council (NSC) has announced a new medal incentive package for Solomon Islands athletes, coaches and officials ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The announcement was made during a media conference yesterday at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Media Room at the National Stadium in Honiara, attended by Minister for Home Affairs and Sports, Manasseh Maelanga, NSC Board Chairman Joe Sika, PS for Home Affairs and NSC Vice Chair Jeffrey Sade Dave, NSC officials and members of the media.
Hosted by NSC Commercial Manager Geoff Kuper, the event highlighted the government’s continued support towards sports development and Team Solomon’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games, which will run from July 23 to August 2.
NSC Board Chairman Joe Sika said the incentive announcement marks a new approach in recognising the commitment and sacrifices made by athletes and their support teams.
“This is the first time, in the lead-up to a multi-sport Games, that we announce medal incentives before the Games actually take place.
“Before, when athletes returned from the Games, we would run around trying to find out how much we had to pay for the athletes. But today is different,” Sika said.
Sika said announcing the incentives early was aimed at allowing athletes and coaches to focus on preparation, qualification and performance.
“We want our athletes and coaches to focus on their training and preparation. We want them to know right from the start that when they achieve medals, it means a lot.”
Under the new package, athletes who win gold medals at the Commonwealth Games will receive $12,500, while silver medallists will receive $10,000 and bronze medallists $7,500.
Athletes who break a Commonwealth Games record will receive an additional $5,000, while an Oceania record achievement will attract a $3,000 incentive.
Sika also highlighted the important role played by coaches and officials behind athletes’ success.
“When somebody wins a gold medal on the podium, there is a coach behind them. So today, we are also acknowledging them,” he said.
Volunteer coaches and managers involved with medal-winning athletes will receive a combined incentive of $6,000.
The NSC Chairman said the move also reflected a change in the country’s approach towards international competitions, with greater emphasis now placed on qualification and high performance.
“Selection must be on merit. Gone are the days we send athletes to participate.
“We need our athletes to qualify on merit, to perform, to compete, not just to participate,” Sika said.
He said with the government’s investment in sporting facilities and infrastructure, Solomon Islands must now aim for stronger results at major international events.
“With all these facilities and the investment the government has put into improving sport, we have to do better. We have to qualify.”
Minister for Home Affairs and Sports Rev. Manasseh Maelanga welcomed the initiative, saying the announcement demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting athletes representing the country.
“When Solomon Islands steps into the Commonwealth stage in Glasgow in July, they are not alone. They are there with us, representing us in Glasgow.
“Our athletes should know that they are not there by themselves, but they are there representing the country and the people of Solomon Islands,” Rev. Maelanga said.
The Minister also confirmed that Cabinet had approved the handover of two additional facilities at the National Stadium precinct to the National Sports Council from July 1.
“The government is investing more in our athletes, in their preparation and in infrastructure,” he said.
Rev. Maelanga said those investments must translate into results, pointing to the 2023 Pacific Games as proof of what Solomon Islands can achieve.
“Investments must be translated into results. The Pacific Games shows us what is possible. The Commonwealth Games is another next step.”
He called on Solomon Islanders to support Team Solomon as they prepare to compete in Glasgow.
“As Minister for Sports, I would like to call on all of our countrymen to come out and support our team that will be going to perform in Glasgow,” he said.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring together 73 nations and territories, with Solomon Islands preparing to compete among the world’s best sporting countries.
The announcement builds on the legacy of the 2023 Pacific Games, which delivered major sporting infrastructure including the National Stadium precinct and other facilities aimed at strengthening athlete development and high-performance programmes in Solomon Islands.
Photo credit: NSC
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