There are 12 countries listed to participate in the judo event and for the first time includes Australia. This year will also be a debut for the Mixed Team Event, providing the perfect platform to encourage equality and inclusion, working towards balanced participation of men and women within the Pacific judo family.
The National Sports competition Manager for Judo at the SOL2023 Games Organising Committee, Simon Jedzini, said, “The opening ceremony for the XVII Pacific Games is nearing and preparations for the Games is going really well. Everybody is really looking forward to this Pacific Games. We have the field of play for judo in its final stage of completion and I’m excited to see everything coming together successfully."
"The judo technical delegate, Mr Josateki Naulu, also visited the venue and had meetings with all functional areas in the GOC team and he has been giving positive feedback, which I’m happy about.
Every functional area within the GOC team is really working hard to make sure the event is a success and a memorable occasion that the people of the Solomon Islands will be proud of; we wish for everyone taking part to enjoy it. I do also really appreciate the people who have offered their time to volunteer during the Games. I’m really excited going towards this XVII Pacific Games.”
The National Sports Council, Games Organising Committee and the national federation have shown a great interest in the legacy of the Games and the IJF Judo in Schools programme. This will be a great opportunity to share the judo values with the next generation of Solomon Islanders.
It is an exciting time for the Solomon Islands, to be hosting and experiencing the celebration of the Pacific family, gathering to share the sporting values which always connect us.