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A K40,000.00 cheque was presented to the New Ireland Rugby Football Union (NIRFU) President Mr Charlie Melachon by Anitua Group of Companies Executive Director, Patrick Labongis, to his tournament affiliates, on Lihir Island yesterday.
In a press statement by Anitua Ltd, the Landowner company has announced that this money will go into gold sponsorship for the 2023 Lihir 7s tournament.
President Melachon described the support as a significant stage for NIRU and Anitua Ltd saying, "The partnership is significant, as it reiterates Anitua Ltd as a truly 100% landowner company, supporting not only the people of Lihir but also New Ireland”.
The tournament will see about 16 participating associations taking part in it. NIRU hopes that such a tournament will not only encourage Rugby Union in New Ireland but also in the New Guinea Islands Region and as well as a positive catalyst in reducing social issues faced by youths.
"This is the start of a partnership that will evolve to bigger results in the future. But for a start, it is with so much anticipation that we acknowledge Anitua Ltd for this commitment, as this tournament is a first in Lihir," Melachon said.
"This commitment will also go a long way to support our youth as well as the development of rugby union in Lihir, New Ireland and Papua New Guinea as a whole’, he added.
When presenting the cheque Mr. Labongis said, “"The future of Lihir lies in the youth. Sports, as we know, is a tool to drive positive change in the communities".
"This tournament is a great way to support our young people so they can develop all aspects of their life. This is one of many community initiatives Anitua Ltd will support this year."
According to Anitua, the Company hopes to use sports as a platform to encourage its values, which includes Respect, Accountability, Integrity and One Team.
The Anitua Lihir 7s tournament will see a total of 18 clubs competing for K15,000, as the top prize and will be staged from Friday 24th Feb to Saturday 25th Feb.
The NIRFU will host the tournament at the Londolovit sports field, Lihir.
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