Rugby sevens squad go green

THE SOLOMON Islands men’s rugby seven’s team yesterday received a well timing donations from this year’s Pacific Games official sponsor the Bank of South Pacific (BSP).

Water bottles, waist bands, bags and shirts were handed over to the squad yesterday at the home of Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) Town Ground rugby stadium.

This is the second squad for the Pacific Games which BSP has assisted. The other squad the bank gave assistance to is the country’s women’s basketball team.

Speaking during the hand-over ceremony yesterday, BSP in-country Retail Banking Service Manageress, Tupou Halofaki said they are proud to give support for the national sevens rugby teams’ preparation for the upcoming games.

“When you go over to Moresby for the games, feel at home because you will be seeing BSP colors flying everywhere during the games.

“BSP as the official sponsors for the Pacific Games is very proud and happy to render support for you guys,” Halofaki said.

“Rugby sevens is very close to my heart and I’m willing to assist SIRUF in the future should you they need any help from BSP or me when I return back home in Fiji,” she adds.

Accepting the donations on behalf of the team yesterday, SIRUF’s President, Frank Wickham thanked the bank for their support, and on the same note, urges his player to be good ambassadors, not only for the country but also for BSP, Solomon Islands.

“Be good ambassadors for our country at the games and hope you make the PNG public see Solomon Islands BSP colors flying high during the games,” Wickham said.

The President also said that SIRUF is planning on having an overseas team to come over to test our boys before they leave for the games, but will give confirmation once everything is finalized.

Meanwhile the team expressed their gratitude towards SIRUF Executive Committee member, Tamana Kativerata for negotiating with BSP for making the donation possible.