BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE countdown is over as football fans across Western Province prepare for the much-anticipated Western Cup, which is set to kick off on Monday, July 6, in Gizo.
Participating teams are expected to arrive in Gizo on July 4 ahead of the official opening ceremony and the start of competition, which will run until July 20.
Western Province Principal Sports Coordinator, Jim Toavalu Ben, said all participating teams are responsible for arranging and meeting the costs of their transport from their respective islands to Gizo, as well in providing their own meals throughout the tournament.
He said the organizing committee will provide transport assistance upon arrival and departure.
“A pickup truck will be available to transport teams from the wharf on arrival and to assist them during departure,” Ben said.
He added that all teams will be accommodated in classrooms at Gizo Community High School for the duration of the tournament.
“Games will kick off immediately after the opening ceremony on Monday, July 6, and continue through to July 20,” Ben said.
He also assures teams and supporters that medical services will be available throughout the championship. The first aid team will be led by Gizo Hospital Senior Physiotherapy Officer Michael Yialangono, with support from the Gizo Red Cross team.
Ben described the Western Cup as the province’s premier football competition, providing an important pathway for the development of players, coaches, referees and football administrators from ward football associations across Western Province.
“The purpose of the tournament is to provide players, coaches, referees and administrators with the opportunity to compete at a higher level of competition,” he said.
Ben said one of the championship’s key objectives is to identify and select talented players to represent Team Western Tomoko in preparation for the upcoming Solomon Cup while also giving rural footballers valuable exposure to a major provincial tournament.
“It will be fun, and we are looking forward to the tournament,” he said.
The two-week championship is expected to attract football enthusiasts from across Western Province as communities come together to celebrate the province’s biggest football event and showcase emerging talent.
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