The people of Guadalcanal, the host province for the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, welcomed the thousands of athletes and officials from the 24 Pacific Island countries with a traditional welcome on Wednesday.
Team Fiji members were among the teams being welcomed at the King George Games Village, where a ‘Chupu’” and shell money were presented to representatives of the participating countries, showcasing a spirit of partnership and unity among Pacific Island countries.
Made out of more than 10,000 taro sourced from farmers in East Guadalcanal, the ‘Chupu’ is the biggest ever presented to any delegation visiting the country.
Team Fiji chef de mission Ajay Ballu and chef de missions from the other Pacific Island Countrie, were presented gifts.
Fiji also presented a gift to the premier of Guadalcanal, Francis Sade, during the welcoming ceremony.
