21 November 2023
As Australian engineers and explosive detection dogs completed their sweeps of the National Stadium, the Royal Solomon Island Police Force and Australian Army Band conducted a sound check and final rehearsal ahead of the 2023 Pacific Games opening ceremony in Honiara.
Buzzing with energy before the show, band Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Peter Bell said the opening ceremony was sold out.
“We play the final set in the pre-show, so seats should be full and we can get everyone excited to welcome 24 nations competing in the Pacific Games," he said.
The Pacific family packed out the 10,000-seat national stadium and roared when the combined band marched into the grounds, then jammed to some of the crowd’s favourite songs.
The excitement only grew when the band left the stage and, as the first countries made their way into the stadium, cheers and cries of support amplified the united Pacific voice.
Australian Army Private Jess Sami and Sergeant Darcy Kay were among the athletes welcomed to Solomon Islands, and with a true unified spirit they represented different countries - Private Sami representing Solomon Islands in the Rugby 7s and Sergeant Kay representing Australia in the weightlifting.
Supporting the Solomon Islands Government during the Games, Commander of Combined Joint Task Force 637.3 Brigadier Michael Say said the opportunity for both members to represent the Pacific was an outstanding moment the Australian Defence Force was proud of.
“We’re delighted to have our members participate for Solomon Islands and Australia during the Games,” Brigadier Say said.
“Nothing brings the Pacific family closer together than sport, and as a military we know it builds great teams and relationships, which is at the heart of humanity.”
