MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
A gutsy two-all draw in a soccer match against Australia has helped to open up an opportunity for the Pacific Island nation of Solomon Islands.
A new Australian sporting initiative will support the work of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) in promoting peace, reconciliation and national unity in Solomon Islands.
The new RAMSI Soccer Development Initiative will build on the national pride that followed the success of Solomon Islands National Soccer Team at the World Cup Qualifying Championships held in Adelaide in June this year.
Solomon Islands placed second overall and, against the odds, achieved an inspirational two-all draw in their match against Australia's Socceroos.
The twelve-month $150,000 project will build on the momentum of this impressive result and assist the Solomon Islands Football Federation to further develop soccer in rural areas and schools in all nine Solomon Islands Provinces.
The national team's triumphant return to Honiara last month brought the city to a standstill, with thousands of people lining the streets to welcome home their new heroes.
With Australian support, the national soccer team and their coaches now will also travel across the country providing coaching clinics to develop young talent.
The next 12 months will be a time of continued interest and passion for soccer at a national level as Solomon Islands hosts a Confederation Cup qualifier match against Australia in October, seeks to host the Under 17 and Under 20 Oceania Championships in Honiara in January 2005, and follows its national team through to the next World Cup qualifying round in September 2005.
When Solomon Islands come up against Australia again, there is no doubt I will be barracking for the Socceroos. But, as good sports, I am certain Australians can see the value in our support for Solomon Islands soccer.
Sport brings communities together to achieve positive development outcomes - it acts as a vehicle to bind a nation together, it develops communities and promotes peace, self-esteem, team-work and discipline.
As the one-year anniversary of RAMSI approaches on 24 July 2004, Australia and Solomon Islands continue to cement their strong relationship, this time through our common passion for the world game.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Minister's office) (02) 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) (02) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489