Courtesy: Solomon Star News


An answered prayer

Tuesday, 14 July 2009

THE government recent declaration to assist the national futsal stadium construction is nothing more than ‘an answered prayer”, says a sports fanatic Jimmy Hite.

He said the government’s positive response came three days after he publicly called on authorities to recognise and reward the outstanding performance of the national futsal side, the Kurukuru.

“On behalf of the futsal supporters and fans, I acknowledge the government’s assistance towards the futsal stadium.

“At last the government recognise the outstanding performance of our young futsal players and their need for a proper training venue here,” he said.

On July 10, this paper carried a news article about Hite’s concern and suggestion to reward the futsal squad with a proper training venue in return for their outstanding performance in regional and world events.

The assistance, he said, will further develop the sport, attract hidden talents and eventually boost participation.

He challenged the government and sports administrators to consider this major futsal need and take necessary step to address it, adding it is useless promoting the sport when there is no proper and internationally recognised futsal infrastructure.

Just last weekend in Honiara, Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and his deputy Fred Fono assured the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) of the government’s assistance.

“The government’s response may be a coincident, but to me it is an answer our prayer.

“I challenge the government to stick to its promise to speed up the construction of the futsal stadium,” he said.

With the land already allocated, he said responsible sports administrators must pursue this project quickly whilst the government is in power.

“As a life time sports supporter, I want to see the government’s promise materialise by this or next year.

“And I hope the government’s assurance would not be another lip-service,” he said.

Hite congratulated the Kurukuru squad for their achievement in the recent championship, and the government for realising the importance of sports, especially futsal.







Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com