‘We and us': Pacific Games battle begins as opening ceremony lights up Honiara
Cultural performers strutting their stuff at the opening ceremony of the 17th Pacific Games in Solomon Islands. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Junior Maealasia
The Pacific turned up on Sunday night at the newly built National Stadium in Honiara as the 2023 Pacific Games was officially opened in a ceremony befitting the region's premier sports event.
With the theme of 'Iumi Na Iumi' meaning 'We and Us,' the opening ceremony, witnessed by 10,000 fans who packed the stadium and hundreds and thousands who watched the televised coverage around the Pacific and more across the globe on social media platforms, was a splendid welcome that lifted the spirits of everyone watching.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare welcomed one and all, thanked those who had financially supported the preparations and declared the Games open as contingents from across the Pacific Oceans celebrated.
The Solomons put up a display that exemplified the diverse cultures of the nation and signalled the country was happy to be hosting over 5,000 athletes and officials from across the 24 countries participating.
"Tonight, we take the first step in telling our story to the whole world," Sogavare said.
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