President of the Amateur Wrestling Association, Tonguoa Tabe, said that his boys had been training very hard since December for the Oceania Championship.

"We are hoping to send a team of eight wrestlers, both senior and junior, to represent Solomon Islands at the event but this all depends on funds," he said.

Mr. Tabe called on the government "or any interested business house" to support the wrestling team.

"My boys are in good shape and can take on their opponents," the President said.

Meanwhile, the association will be receiving training mats end of February.

Newly elected Sports Development Officer, Katea Ueresi, said that this will contribute greatly on the development of wrestling in the country.

He said the training mats were made available with help from Turkey's Honorary Consulate to Solomon Islands, Yoshi Sato, who will be helping with the shipment of the mats from the manufacturer.