After a long career of service to sport, President of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Martin Alufurai has been honoured as a recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Alufurai, who previously worked as general secretary of the National Olympic Committee, received the award from Solomon Islands Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena during the Queen’s Birthday celebrations held at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara over the weekend.
The SIFF President says he was not expecting the medal but sees it as a huge honour.
“I owe this award to all of the players and athletes of the Solomon Islands who have given me the opportunity to serve them in the area of administration,” says Alufurai, who currently sits on the OFC Executive Committee, the OFC Finance Committee and the Organising Committee for the FIFA Olympic Tournament.
“It has been a pleasure to be involved in sport, and particularly football, for so many years because I see the benefits it provides to individuals and communities. I look forward to continuing my work with SIFF to help build and strengthen our national sport.”
OFC President Reynald Temarii says it is an honour for a member of the OFC Executive Committee to receive such a distinguished award.
“I would like to congratulate President Alufurai on behalf of everyone in the Oceania football family,” said President Temarii.
“This OBE is well deserved and gives recognition for someone whose commitment to football, sports and youth development is unrivalled.”
Alufurai has worked in voluntary and paid positions for a number of sports organisations but says his main passion is football.
His affinity with club football saw him hold the presidency of the highly successful Honiara-based club Laugu FC from 1997-2001 before he became a board member on the National Sport Council of the Solomon Islands.
Having already served as the SIFF General Secretary and Vice President, Alufurai was elected President in July 2005.
Since his election, he has overseen the continued development and popularity of football including the country’s first ever qualification for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Rio de Janeiro 2006 where the Bilikiki Boys defeated CAF champions Cameroon 5-2 in the opening match.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Priscilla Duncan
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5651
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 884 018
Joel Tiller
Oceania Football Confederation
Media & Communications
T: +649 526 5654
F: +649 525 8164
M:+64 (0)21 994 520