Local soccer sensation, Gideon Omokirio, is Solomon Islands Ambassador for Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Learn and Play project.
SIFF Secretariat confirmed that Mr. Omokirio was invited by the LEARN & play Project Management to become the local football ambassador as a counterpart to Oceania's football ambassador and former French International footballer, Christian Karembeu who is the current ambassador to the project. This role however, requires a local counterpart because of his commitment with FIFA activities."[Mr. Omokirio] is Karembeu's local counterpart and his role is to visit the Learn & play project and also from time to time engaged by SIFF when provincial football associations host youth tournaments," SIFF General Secretary, Eddie Ngava, said.
Mr. Ngava said the appointment of Mr. Omokirio for the ambassador's role because of his involvement with football which stretched back to his youth days.
"He is also a living evidence of one going through a player development pathway."
Mr. Omokirio started representing Solomon Islands in 1993 when he joined the national Under 17 team and continued representing the country in various age categories including the senior national team in the past years.
He captained the Bilikiki beach soccer team to the World Cup on three occasions - two in Brazil and to France last year.
Mr. Omokirio was also invited to participate in the Christian Karembeu Jubilee in New Caledonia last year.
Given his wider exposure as player both on and off the field, it is only fitting that Gideon be given the honours as Solomon Islands Football ambassador.
The SIFF Secretariat thanked Gideon who despite of his busy work schedule has accepted the role as ambassador.
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