Sponsorship To Boost Delainavesi Harbour Sharks.

The Delainavesi Harbour Sharks rugby team received a sponsorship of $8,000 from Singapore based- company Welchman Keen at the Delainavesi Community Hall in Lami on Friday night.

The Welchman Keen is a bespoke Strategic Advisory Firm that specialises in telecommunication global technology market access strategy and cybersecurity. The company’s managing partner worldwide, Aaron Boyd said he was honoured, privileged and humbled by the attitude of the club officials and players.

“We get involved around the Pacific islands, we’re doing projects in Tonga and Vanuatu,” he said.

“Now we’re conducting training in the Solomon Islands and other parts of the world.”

Boyd said in his trip to Fiji, last November, he was shown around Delainavesi and was introduced to the players in the club during a training session.

“I took a video and there were two players on the field, each wearing one red shoe so that is the reason why I’m here.” he said.

The club who plays in the FMF Suva Rugby Union club competition received rugby boots, jerseys, collar t-shirts, muscle vests and a few gym bags through the sponsorship deal.

Club captain Ponipate Ratulevu said the community of Delainavesi was grateful to Boyd and Welchman Keen for their generous support.

“Sports play a crucial role in community development and youth discipline. By sponsoring our sports club you have contributed to the physical and mental well-being of our young athletes. Also, you’re promoting a healthy lifestyle and installing important values such as teamwork, dedication and sportsmanship,” he said.

Also at the Launch was former Fiji Rugby Union interim chief executive and still board member, Tevita Tuiloa who mentioned that there is a need to provide more incentives to community clubs to ensure that they are able to support themselves.

“Rugby is no longer cheap or a sport that is easy to run. It’s become very costly, jerseys, transport and the straps. All those things cost money, especially for communities like us here in Delainavesi and Nadonumai. Any support that we can get is always appreciated.

“It’s all about how FRU can move forward, how they can create that space not only at national level but ensure that provincial unions and clubs at the grassroots are able to get sponsors. Also to get more corporate citizens that can come on and help grow rugby at the grass root level,” he added.

FMF Suva Rugby results

Koroturaga Shield; Covenant Red 22-17 Taha, Leach Kalokolevu Green 9-5 Tunisau Delaidraudrau, Lami Cavaliers 20-10 Lomaiviti Green, Lami WBD Namuka-i-Lau, Savura Reds 20-17 Dominion Brothers, Police White 24-7 Harlequins, Central Brothers 19-15 Nasinu.

Escott Shield: Covenant Blues 22-15 Army Green, Lakeba 16-11 QVSOB.

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