BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Solomon Islands Swimming Federation (SISF) has sent a small but determined national team to Fiji to compete in a key regional meet that doubles as a pathway to the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The team departed Honiara on Wednesday to take part in the Oceania Swimming Championships, scheduled from May 8–12 in Suva.
This competition is more than just another regional outing—it serves as an official qualifying event for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, placing added importance on performances in the pool.
SISF Secretary General Jackson Rahemae said the championships present a valuable opportunity for local swimmers to test themselves against the region’s best.
“This level of competition allows our swimmers to measure their performance against the region’s best, identify gaps and continue progressing towards international standards,” he said.
Rahemae added that international exposure remains critical for athlete development, not only in terms of performance but also in building mental strength and race awareness.
He explained that competing abroad helps swimmers sharpen race strategies, grow in confidence, and adapt to high-pressure environments, while also benefiting coaches through exposure to advanced techniques and competition management.
The team will be aiming to clock personal best times, gain crucial international experience, and further build professionalism within the sport.
In addition to the swimmers, technical officials are also part of the delegation, playing roles in event delivery and gaining valuable experience at international level.
One of the officials, Cindy Aungarima, is expected to attend a World Aquatics Junior Coaching Workshop during the championships as part of her professional development.
Rahemae also acknowledged the support from the National Sports Council, saying its assistance through governance and participation grants continues to strengthen the federation’s planning and preparation for overseas competitions.
The travelling team includes SISF President Chrisleon Sanga, Rahemae, Head Coach Stance Sanga, swimmers Brenton Naka, Loise Bently and Junior Sanga, along with technical officials Osken Haro and Aungarima.
The team is expected to return home on May 17 following the completion of the championships.
The Oceania Swimming Championships is a key regional competition that brings together top swimmers from across the Pacific. For countries like Solomon Islands, participation is part of a broader effort to raise performance standards and create pathways from grassroots development to elite competition.
With the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland on the horizon, events like this provide crucial qualification opportunities and exposure for emerging athletes aiming to compete on the global stage.
Photo credit: NSC
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