SI pulls out of 2015 Games bid

PAUA New Guineas bid to host the Pacific Games 2015 got one big step closer last Thursday, with the withdrawal of one of its rival Solomon Islands.
In a press statement sent to The National, the Solomon Islands National Olympic Committee President Fred Maetoloa confirmed the withdrawal.
“The NOC of Solomon Islands PGA in a letter to the Pacific Games Council President, Mr Vidhya Lakhan last week, decided to withdraw its bid to host the Pacific Games in 2015,”  stated the release by the President.
“The decision was made following the withdrawal of the Solomon Island government’s commitment, to support the bid.
“Support of Government is vital not only in terms of finance, infrastructure and national federation development, but the partnership under which the bid was prepared, documented and promoted.”
Maetoloa however, extended his best wishes to the remaining contenders, Tonga and Papua New Guinea, heading to the final presentation and announcement on  Sept 27  in the Cook Islands, coinciding with the Pacific Mini Games.
Papua New Guinea’s PG 2015 Bid Committee has been hard at work, selling the country as a potential host to the voting nations, and with the recent PGA visit.
This turn of events has all but confirmed a  favourable vote, and the committee would not look to slow down just yet.
The Bid Contingent will leave for the Cook Islands tomorrow, with a hope and a lot of confidence, in the work they have done over the past six months.