Pacific Games organisers have signed a partnership to fuel the Games ©Sol2023

Organisers of this year's Pacific Games have signed a deal with South Pacific Oil Limited (SPO) which Solomon Islands 2023 chairman Martin Rara has hailed as "a lifeline" for the event.

The deal, valued at SBD 5.1million (£493,000/$612,000/€570,600), will also make the company the first official "Gold" sponsor and fuelling partner of Sol2023.

"This huge support by SPO is truly very timely," said Rara.

"This support is best defined as proving a lifeline for the Games as far as movement and operations is concerned."

SPO deputy chairman Tony Makabo, right, has called on the Solomon Islands 2023 Organising Committee to be responsible and economical with fuel ©Sol2023
SPO deputy chairman Tony Makabo, right, has called on the Solomon Islands 2023 Organising Committee to be responsible and economical with fuel ©Sol2023

Under the terms of the deal, SPO will provide fuel for generators and a Games fleet of some 300 vehicles.

"Movement is one of the critical aspects of Games delivery this year, through this sponsorship SPO have enhanced that," added Rara.

"Athletes and officials can move from venue to venue, to and from the Games villages, this in turn gives us confidence that we will deliver a successful Sol2023 Pacific Games."

SPO deputy chairman Tony Makabo emphasised the importance of the deal.

"This is big money, I call on GOC [Games Organising Committee] to be responsible, be economical in terms of the use of vehicles in facilitating the Games this year," said Makabo.

The Games are scheduled to begin on November 19 and run until December 2, with athletes from 24 nations expecting to compete across 24 sports.