Friendship Hall

FIRST GOLD 🥇

Western Province's Lendirck Ola has etched his name into Solomon Games history, becoming the first gold medallist of the 2026 Solomon Games after winning the men's 10,000m final at the National Stadium early this morning.

Ola produced a commanding performance to cross the finish line in 35:09.20, giving Western Province the first gold medal of the Games and an early boost in the race for provincial honours.

Speaking moments after his victory, an emotional Ola thanked everyone who had supported him on his journey.

"Thank you so much. I am very optimistic. I would like to thank my coach. I hope the fans are happy. I would also like to thank my family. I ran the 10,000 metres today and won gold. I am very happy," said Ola.

Western Province celebrated a one-two finish in the event, with Dales Nonikana claiming the silver medal after clocking 36:06.69, while Honiara City's Michael Horikura secured bronze in 36:58.05.

In the women's 10,000m, Central Islands Province's Joycelyn Tuzua captured the gold medal with a winning time of 47:45.17. Western Province's Vaelila Rolland claimed silver in 48:03.93, while Central Islands Province's Christina Holyn took bronze after finishing in 51:16.86.

The first medals of the Games have now been decided, with the race for the provincial medal tally officially underway.

Athletes from Renbel, Guadalcanal, Makira-Ulawa, Central Islands Province, Malaita, Western Province and Honiara City are competing across rugby sevens, athletics, netball, volleyball, beach volleyball, 3x3 basketball and taekwondo during the five-day Games, which run from 6–10 July.

With many more medals still to be contested, the battle for provincial supremacy is only just beginning.

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-NSC MEDIA

📸Western Province's Lendirck Ola celebrates after becoming the first gold medallist of the 2026 Solomon Games, winning the men's 10,000m final at the National Stadium in Honiara on Monday

SHIELD BACK, BATTLE ON 🏆

The 2026 Solomon Games officially ignited in spectacular fashion at the opening ceremony, marked by a powerful symbolic moment as the prestigious Solomon Games Shield was returned to the organisers.

Defending champions Malaita Province returned the Shield, handing it over to the Solomon Games 2026 Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman Morris Maitaki.

Malaita’s dominant reign since 2023 now becomes history, with the Shield once again up for grabs as all provinces set their sights on glory.

This year’s Games will run from 6–10 July 2026, delivering five days of intense competition, provincial pride, and high-energy sporting action.

A total of seven provinces are taking part: Renbel, Guadalcanal, Makira-Ulawa, Central Islands Province, Malaita, Western and Honiara City, each aiming to etch their name into Solomon Games history.

Athletes will compete across rugby sevens, athletics, netball, indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, 3x3 basketball, and taekwondo, showcasing speed, strength, skill, and teamwork across multiple disciplines.

With the Shield now back in the hands of the organisers, the question is set: will Malaita reclaim their crown, or will a new champion province rise to take the ultimate prize?

The stage is set, the rivalry is alive, and the battle for glory has begun.

Let the Games begin! 🇸🇧🏆💪

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-NSC MEDIA

📸: A representative from Malaita Province hands back the Solomon Games Shield to the Solomon Games LOC Chairman Morris Maitaki (right) during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Solomon Games in Honiara

🏅 2026 Solomon Games – Day 1 Schedule

The official Day 1 competition schedule for the 2026 Solomon Games is now confirmed, featuring a full day of action across multiple sporting codes at key venues in Honiara.

Athletics at the National Stadium will kick off from 7:00am, alongside netball at Friendship Hall, indoor volleyball fixtures in both men’s and women’s divisions, and beach volleyball action under the SINIS programme beginning at 9:00am.

Athletes from Renbel, Guadalcanal, Makira-Ulawa, Central, Malaita, Western Province and Honiara City will be in action as the Games officially get underway.

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