The 2023 Pacific Games Closing Ceremony was held on Saturday 2 December, and it was broadcast, and I enjoyed watching the live stream of the final day of the games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The flag bearer for Norfolk Island was Ada Nebauer, proudly carrying our green and white pinetree flag in the stadium. Congratulations Ada Nebauer winning a Bronze in the Va’a Paddling Women V1 500m sprint. This medal placed Norfolk Island on the medal board and such a proud moment for Ada and her coach, her Mum Louise Donald.

The Norfolk Island team attended the closing ceremony, and they all wore bands and draw hearts and “R”, “Rhys” on their hands to send their love to Rhys who was unable to attend the games where he was to compete in Boxing. Sadly, this week, Rhys passed away here on Norfolk Island, after only about a month fighting his battle with cancer. Our love and thoughts are now with his family, friends and teammates.

Norfolk Island Chef de Mission Mal Tarrant, along with Brentt and Taleuah Jones did not attend the Closing Ceremony as their flights departed on 1 December, and they arrived home on Saturday on the Brisbane flight. Mal Tarrant had been the flag bearer at the opening ceremony as the lone Norfolk Islander at the first week of the games. Mal thanked the managers and teams for their support while he was unable to attend the sporting events during week two, due to being unwell during the games.

As the Solomon Islands 2023 Pacific Games came to an end, the Norfolk Island teams traveled to Brisbane and then home to Norfolk Island on 5 December, where many gathered at the airport to welcome them home. Plus, the fire crew positioned a fire engine on each side of the airport taxiway and sprayed an arch of water to celebrate the teams return. I know we all feel very proud of every one of our Norfolk Island Representatives.

There have been around 5,000 athletes and officials from 24 nations and territories gather for the 17th Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands. Thank you to the Soloman Islands for hosting this massive sporting event. The 2027 Pacific Games, officially known as the XVIII Pacific Games, and commonly known as “Pirae 2027”, is an upcoming continental multi-sport event for South Pacific countries and territories that is scheduled to take place in Pirae, Tahiti, French Polynesia from 24 July to 8 August 2027.

Here are a few photos from the Pacific Games from social media, thank you to everyone who shared the updates and team photos. If you wish to read the results check out these internet sites as well as local team Facebook pages.

2023 Pacific Games - Solomon Islands (gems.pro)

(3) Facebook (Sol2023 XVII Pacific Games)

Facebook (Norfolk Island Netball Association)

Facebook (Norfolk Island Touch Football)

Facebook (Athletics Norfolk Island)

Norfolk Island Amateur Sports and Commonwealth Games Association | Facebook

Congratulations Ada winning Bronze Medal and well done to our Norfolk Island teams.

Betty Matthews

22 December 2023