Three Solomon Islands Paralympians Compete on the Global Stage, Thanks to Australia’s PacificAus Sports Program.
Solomon Islands has three Paralympians – Cosmol Maefolia, James Gegeu and Junita Tonowane – who are currently competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. These athletes received support from the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports, in partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC). Additionally, the Australian Government funded a further 11 Solomon Islands para-athletes, coaches and support staff in their attempt to qualify for the Paralympic Games.
Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Honourable Pat Conroy MP said “to have the largest team of Pacific athletes competing at a Paralympic Games is a fantastic result and a reflection of the depth of sporting talent throughout the region – we wish them the best of luck and look forward to celebrating their achievements as a Pacific family.” These three Solomon Islands athletes are part of 13 athletes from six Pacific Islands nations who will compete across 12 sports at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The other countries are Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu, and for the first time, Kiribati.
This is the largest team of Pacific athletes to qualify for a Paralympic Games, signalling the continued rise of Pacific sport on the global stage. Australia’s sports partnership with the Pacific brings our nations together through a shared pursuit of sporting excellence.
These athletes will represent their families, communities, countries, and the Pacific as a whole, with pride – their achievements at the Paralympic Games will be celebrated across the region. Australia is Solomon Islands’ nambawan sports partner.
GO SOLO GO!
AHC Press Release
