Young Solomon Islands para-athlete earns Glasgow 2026 spot after Australian-backed qualification campaign
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands para-powerlifter Moffat Tolomae is set to make history after securing qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, following months of intensive preparation and international exposure under an Australian-supported sports development programme.
The achievement was announced in a media release issued Tuesday by the Australian High Commission (AHC).
The 22-year-old para-athlete earned his place in the global event after reaching the required qualification standard and achieving a world ranking of 25th in his weight division.
Tolomae’s qualification came through participation in the GAPS (Gather–Adjust–Prepare–Sustain) partnership programme held on the Gold Coast in Australia, an initiative funded by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports in partnership with Commonwealth Games Australia.
His successful qualification now places him among Solomon Islands athletes preparing to compete on one of the Commonwealth’s biggest sporting stages.
Speaking after confirmation of his qualification, Tolomae described the achievement as a proud and emotional moment in his sporting journey.
“It is historic for me to qualify. I did not expect this outcome, but through dedication and commitment I achieved my goal,” he said.
Tolomae said he is determined to represent Solomon Islands proudly at the Games and acknowledged the support provided through the Australian-backed training camps.
“I feel proud of myself and will do my best to represent my country at the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“I’m very thankful to the Australian Government for all the support that has been provided to me during past GAPS camping and the recent one in May.”
The young para-athlete recently returned from Adelaide where he attended another specialised GAPS training camp focusing on strength conditioning, recovery and athlete wellbeing as part of preparations leading into the Games.
His coach, Lesley Ata, was also part of the high-performance training support provided under the program.
The Solomon Islands Paralympic Committee has welcomed Tolomae’s qualification, describing it as a significant milestone for para-sports development in the country.
Committee president Andrew Soma acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced in identifying and developing para-athletes locally but said partnerships with international supporters continue to create opportunities for Solomon Islands athletes.
“We have our own challenges, especially in identifying para-athletes here in the country, but we are thankful that Australian support has sustained our athletes and enabled them to continue striving for success,” Soma said.
Australia’s PacificAus Sports program continues to support inclusive sporting pathways across the Pacific region, including Solomon Islands, with a broader focus on developing athletes towards Brisbane 2032 and future international competitions.
Tolomae’s qualification is also expected to inspire more young athletes living with disabilities in Solomon Islands to pursue competitive sport at national and international levels as para-sports continue to gain recognition across the country.
Photo: Supplied
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
