Federal Pacific Group have cemented the major sponsorship of the Mataniufeagaimaleata Sevens Tournament, adding FEDPAC to as naming rights.
The FEDPAC Mataniufeagaimaleata Sapapalii 7s is being held this weekend on the Big Island of Savaii, hosted by the proud village which boasts the place where John Williams arrived into Samoa with the Good News of Christianity on the 24th of August 1830.
The generous donation of $20,000 tala was presented to Rev Esera Auatama Esera of the Sapapalii EFKS by Federal Pacific Insurance General Manager, Namulauulu Sami Leota.
The tournament is aimed at promoting youth development and is aligned with the annual “Taeao Fou” celebration of the arrival of Christianity into Samoa and specifically in Sapapalii village,” said Reverand Esera.
The much-anticipated event is set to begin this week in Savaii at Sapapalii village, starting with a thanksgiving service on Thursday morning, followed by the FEDPAC Mataniufeagaimaleata 7s official launch on Thursday evening.
Tournament pool games begin on Friday 25th with the final matches scheduled for Saturday 26th August.
Federal Pacific Group is home to an Asia/Pacific network for Federal Pacific Insurance, Federal Pacific Finance and Federal Auto Finance. The local companies have partnered to support the initiative, which aims to bring together local and overseas players, to compete on their home soil in Sapapalii, in a celebration of faith and youth.
Director of FedPac Group and Tournament Chairman Namulauulu Papalii Sami Leota said the company fully supported the tournament initiative especially the emphasis on youth development.
“I’m positive this will be an exciting tournament. It is also an opportunity to bring some quality entertaining live rugby to Savaii”, said Namulauulu.
Tournament Director Papalii John Taimalelagi said he was very grateful for the support from Federal Pacific and acknowledged the positive responses and support from the Samoa business community as well as Sapapalii village and church.
“Our aim is to make sure that all teams enjoy the event, are well looked after during the tournament and extending a warm hospitality with many great memories.”
Some 20 teams have confirmed their participation from both Savaii and Upolu with Marist St Josephs Club American Samoa travelling from the east to to be part of this competition. Marist American Samoa cemented its place in the International 7’s rounds of tournaments with a successful tournament hosted earlier this year.
The best of Samoa’s teams will ascend onto Sapapalii this weekend, with American Samoa having arrived into Mulifanua wharf this afternoon. Established sides such as Apia Maroons, Tepatasi, Tamauli, Safotu, Afega, Moataa and Satalo are all in the lineup to showcase the best of Upolu’s local talent this weekend.
From Falealili, Vaiula are expected to field the developing talent from the rural area of Atua Saute, while Savaii will also feature teams from Asau, Gataivai, Vaitoomuli, Iva, Lalomalava and Sapapalii.
