Black Orchids donate rice to drought victims ahead of Sports Tok 7s

Bougainville Black Orchids Rugby Union 7s Team Manager Jonathan Sapaka presents a 10 kg rice bag to Belinda- Maree Gara Lanbong. Secretary for Department of Community Government, District Affairs, and Disaster and Emergency, flanked by players and Disaster and Emergency Officials. *(Image: NBC News / Edward Passam)*

Reigning champions of Sports Tok 7s in Bougainville Black Orchids donated K1000 worth of 10kg rice bags to disaster-affected victims of Nissan and Atolls Islands in Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

The Orchids team led by manager Jonathan Sapaka presented the food to Bougainville Directorate of Disaster and Emergency Office prior to departing to Port Moresby yesterday.

This generous donation was made in response to a request from the Directorate for assistance for the Nissan and Atolls Islanders, who have been suffering from drought conditions for the past four months.

"We would like to give our heartfelt contribution of K1,000 worth of rice towards the disaster-affected people of Nissan and Atolls, especially during this time," Sapaka said when presenting the rice bags at Kubu, Buka.

Orchids Under-20 coach Kelly Havara supported the manager’s message and highlighted the importance of giving back to the community.

"Basically, this is the team's way of giving back to the community, and it has always been a core part of the team since its establishment. The team has made many donations in the past, some of which were not recognized," he said.

Belinda-Maree Gara Lanbong, the Secretary of the Bougainville Department of Community Government, District Affairs, and Disaster and Emergency, expressed her gratitude to the team for their support.

"We're very grateful for the support provided by the Black Orchids 7s Team. This kind of assistance will go a long way. We also want to wish the team all the best in the Sports Tok 7s Tournament."

Quentin Talingapua, the Disaster and Emergency Coordinator, also expressed his appreciation for the donation and looks forward to collaborating with the rugby team in future.

"We have now created a strong partnership, and who knows, maybe in the next disaster relief effort for our people in Nissan and Atolls, we will engage the Black Orchids 7s Team."

Other attendees at the event included Red Cross Chairman Sione Atua, PNG Fire Service Inspector Ludwick Oala, and IOM representative Sebastian Hurokoli.