SOLOMON Islands first ever sports magazine was successfully launched at the Iron Bottom Sound (IBS) yesterday.

The magazine is called Sports Focus magazine. It is a full colored 31 paged magazine and brings in depth insights into the different sports played in the Solomon Islands, said publisher and longtime sports journalist Mr Philip Lilomo yesterday.

“The magazine is established with a mission to contribute to sports development in the country,” he said.

“This opportunity not only provides an avenue for the boost to our economy but also its impact on sports development leading to the big event and on its aftermath is evident.

“One of the main vision of Sports Focus Magazine is to partner in sports development in this country.

“This intention makes this magazine unique in the sense that it will not only highlight sports and its activities but as an initiative, a sports trust fund will also be established.

“This trust fund is purposely to give back to our communities towards sports development in terms of finance empowerment, assistance and support,” Lilomo adds.

The publisher adds that these initiatives are to contribute to sports developments which are embedded in their mission as responsibly citizens contributing to the development of Solomon Islands.

Focus Magazine Editor Donaldson Rusa said also said the same sentiments saying the launching of the magazine is to help contribute towards development of sports in the country.

“Our team foresees the impact of sports advocacy not only to our sport loving viewers but to relevant stakeholders and policy makers in influencing positive decision in the development of sports here,” Mr Rusa said.

“In nation building from a national point of view, sport’s is one of the means with immense potential to resolve conflicts and to create cohesiveness in our society by promoting unity with our nation.

“In terms of economy, sports have a special market. This market has been realized and explored by other third world countries which bring return to their investments.

“In our country it is our respectful view that this market is slowly developing which means its potential for return on its investment in the coming years is huge,” Rusa adds.

Speaking during the launching ceremony yesterday, Director for Sports within the Ministry of Home Affairs Mr Casper Pule congratulated the Magazines team for this milestone and promises to support the initiative being taken.

The team at Focus Magazine meanwhile wishes its readers happy reading on the first edition and wish all sports men and women and supporters, all the best in their preparations for competitions and specifically towards he Mini Pacific Games in Vanuatu at the end of this year.

The Sports Focus Magazine is now selling at various outlets in Honiara and on the streets for $20.00.