Hockey5s is a very short version of the game with 2x 10 minutes halves, lots of action and shots on goal. The fact that the 2 Solomons Islands teams were performing well encouraged the crowd to fill the stands but as the competition in both women and men’s pools were close there were plenty of Fijian, Samoan, Tongan, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu supporters to add to the banter. Music was played while the teams warmed up, at half time and to celebrate a goal! This kept the crowd rocking! The fact that the athletes main Food Hall was just past the hockey venue created extra promotion for hockey and as the matches reached the semi finals and finals many athletes collected their food and came outside to watch and cheer on their team mates.
Solomon Islands supporters prepare for the Semi Finals Between games new supporters arrived Umbrellas made it colourful – it was hot ! Fijian women supporting their men
This promotion of the game was important to ensure that the new venue is fully utilised post games. The Solomon Islands Hockey Federation, will work closely with Oceania Hockey over 2024, to ensure that the momentum continues on with significant competition opportunities catering for all ages. Hook in4 Health, a DFAT funded Team Up Program will start in 2024 and employ development staff to create opportunities both in Guadacanal and other provinces so that communities Live Well, Learn Well and Lead Well through hockey. School visits will be a major start up program to ensure a base is built. To compliment this development and ensure that competitions are run fairly and safely 5 Solomon Island technical officials were trained during the Pacific Games as a legacy from the Games.
