By Taromane Martin
FORMER and current national athletes were amongst the thousands of new graduates who graduated from the Solomon Islands National University yesterday.
Amongst the thousands of graduates was 1999 South Pacific Games beach volleyball silver medallist Suzie Leong who graduated with a Certificate in Business Finance while current national rugby 7s player Chris Saru graduated with a Diploma in Survey.
Solomon Islands Karate Federation 2015 Pacific Games representative, Harry Kima Marigeni also graduated yesterday graduating with a Diploma in Survey.
Local football players KOSSA FC’s Johnson Wanefai and Solomon Warriors FC front man Ian Paia also received their certificates Wanefai graduating with a Certificate in Trade-Heavy Vehicles and Plant Mechanics.
Speaking to SunSPORTS yesterday Paia who returned to country with Solomon Warriors FC on Tuesday after their quarterfinal exit, said it was a tough road, juggling study and play but says he now feels complete.
“It was tough juggling play and study but I’m pleased to finally graduate. Now I feel complete,” Paia said.
A total of 1858 students graduated from Solomon Islands National University (SINU) yesterday in a massive ceremony.
The graduating class was the University’s sixth since it became a university, with graduates receiving certificates, diplomas and degrees.
The ceremony was attended by the SINU Chancellor of the SI National University Hon. Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, Attorney General – Guest of Honour/Speaker Hon. James Apaniai, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of SINU Council Hon.Dr. Culwick Togamana, Minister of Education and Human Resource Development Hon. John Dean Kuku, members of the SINU senior Management team, diplomats, Government officials and members of parliament, distinguished guests, staffs, students, graduates, their families and well – wishers.
