LJ Hooker backs Bialla 7s tourney with K15,000 sponsorship

LJ Hooker has jumped on board as the Bialla Suaras Sevens naming rights sponsor for the tournament, which is set kick off next month in West New Britain.

Bialla Suaras rugby union club treasurer Nancy Gah said LJ Hooker confirmed their sponsorship presenting a K15,000 cheque to support the tournament.

The money received early this week will be presented to the tournament’s cup winner and runner-up.

“This is the second year we are hosting the tournament back home [Bialla]. We are anticipating more than 20 teams from around PNG to attend,” Gah said.

“The inaugural tournament we held last year hosted teams from Kimbe, Hoskins and Bialla. This year we invited teams from other centers to compete to lift the standard of the game we play back home.”

The Suaras club was founded by current president and former PNG Pukpuks representative Junias Sabbatha in 2022, with a vision to raise awareness on law and order in Bialla and use sports [rugby 7s] as a tool for positive change.

The club has also set its standard by claiming the 2023 Sports Tok 7s championship open men’s title following their debut in Port Moresby last year, unleashing raw talents from Bialla.

Gah said, “The club’s vision is to keep youths away from drugs and criminal activities by providing exposure to young talents. We will also recruit talented players ahead of events such as the annual Sport Tok 7s.”

“Introducing this 7s tournament helped with the growth and interest of the code. Expanding it as an Invitational 7s will help lift the quality of the game in Bialla. We want our local talents to have a taste of playing against some of PNG’s best rugby 7s teams,” she added.

Additionally, she said invitations were sent out nationwide with over 20 teams showing interest to participate, with registration closing on November 28, 2024.

Only 24 teams will be slotted into the tournament, ahead of the kick-off come Dec 26-28.

Meanwhile, LJ Hooker has confirmed to award K10,000 to the Cup winner and K5,000 to the runner-up.

Other sponsors include Zad Zeal Limited (K4,000) and Abus Na Kumu [K2,500] both sponsoring the Plate prizes, while S&J will sponsor the Bowl winner [K2000] and runner-up [K1,000].

She also acknowledged other supporting sponsors including AdFX, Sports Tok Magazine, WNB Rugby Union, Tati Sports, Coca Cola, and Digicel.