The presentation was conducted at the SIFF Academy with Taiwanese Ambassador George Chan handing over the donation to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Fred Fakarii. The consignment was then passed on to the Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council, David Firisua, who completed the handover by presenting the balls to SIFF President Martin Alufurai.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Chan said Taiwan had supported Solomon Islands through sad and happy times and that this presentation was one of those happy times.
“Taiwan does not only care only about rural development but also about sports,” said Chan.
He then emphasized his desire for the donation of equipment to help young people in Solomon Islands to engage in physical activity for good health.
Fakarii then thanked Chan for the donation saying that Taiwan had always been a good friend of Solomon Islands and that this was not the first time the government has supported sports development. He added that it was the intention of Taiwan for the balls to be given to SIFF to distribute.
Chan went on to acknowledge the SIFF President saying that Alufurai deserves admiration for an excellent job in football.
In receiving the gift, Alufurai showed his sincere appreciation and said that SIFF would complete its duty of distributing the balls over the coming months.
“Our work is not just about winning medals and beating opponents, it is also about contributing to community harmony. This equipment will help to keep youth busy and out of trouble,” Alufurai said.
Alufurai also took the opportunity to thank the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Sports Council for recognising SIFF as the official custodian of football in Solomon Islands and for entrusting the donation to the SIFF administration.
Story and photo courtesy SIFF Media