PR: The Frankie Wholesale and Company Limited sponsored Savaii 7’s tournament was launched in the Big Island of Savaii last Saturday. The launch was held at Don Bosco Field at Salelologa with nine (9) teams featuring in the first leg of the three week circuit. The Managing Director of the Company Pitovaomanaia May was present with President of the Samoa Rugby Union, Namulauulu Sami Leota to kick-off the initiative that helps to develop grassroots rugby in Savaii.
The Launch officially started with a word of prayer by Reverend Tonu Mauafu followed by Major Sponsor remarks. In Pitovaomanaia’s remarks, she acknowledged the work of the President of Samoa Rugby Union, Namulauulu Sami Leota and also the President of Fa’asaleleaga Rugby Union, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun and the Committee for helping with the development of rugby in Savaii, “I commend the President of Samoa Rugby Union and also the President of Fa’asaleleaga Rugby Union for taking time out to assist in developing rugby in Savaii. Our Company has been sponsoring Apia Rugby Union, Aleipata Rugby Union and other Unions in Upolu. However, once we saw the proposal for this initiative in Savaii we knew we have to support this cause. We believe in Fa’asaleleaga’s vision of empowering the emerging players in Savaii to excel to the best of their ability. We want to help them continue the great work in producing best players from Savaii to travel to Apia and contest in national teams selection. We are happy to launch today our first sevens circuit in Savaii and working closely with Fa’asaleleaga Rugby Union to make sure by the end of the circuit our teams from Savaii are ready to compete in the upcoming Marist International Sevens and Super 9.”
Fa’asaleleaga Rugby Union has been hosting tournaments in the past three years without any financial backing. However, after producing five (5) players for the Manu Samoa 7s contract scheme 2018/2019 this helped to attract the helping hand of the Frankie Company Limited.
“We sponsored the FRANKIE Tama Uli Salelologa Rugby Club last year when they went and compete in the Tepatasi 7’s, Samoa Rugby Union National Sevens Circuit and Bluesky Iva 7s and that’s when we saw first hand the quality of players from Savaii. I was told, that is only one team but we have more raw talent available. That is why we are here today because as a Company we have our obligations to our community in unearthing raw talents that can benefit Samoa’s economy in the long run.” Additional comments from Pitovaomania.
The keynote address was given by the President of Samoa Rugby Union, Namulauulu Sami Leota. In his keynote remarks, Namulauulu, acknowledged the support of Frankie Company Ltd. “Today is made possible with Pitovaomanaia and Frankie Company Ltd supporting our vision in empowering the youths of Savaii through rugby. Fa’afetai lava Pitovaomania and your Company for believing in our work. In the past years, our players travel and play in Clubs in Upolu to be considered in national selection. However, Frankie Tama Uli Salelologa has not proven that you don’t have to go far. We are bringing the best rugby to our doorsteps and we want to make this a successful initiative to unearth more talents from Savaii.
Namulauulu also challenged players to be honest with themselves as rugby is not a past time sport anymore but now a career focus sport that can help your families in the long run if you continue to commit. “I have been involved with rugby for the past 20 years and I have witnessed many players whom now families are reaping the benefits of rugby. David Lemi was from Vaiafai, Iva. He is one of the great examples of what rugby can do to you and your family. We also have Fa’atoina Autagavaia and Uale Mai. I challenge you the players standing infront of us today. If you want to be a successful rugby player or Coach just be honest and work smart. Life is full of opportunities through rugby and you need to sacrifice in order to achieve your dreams. Anyone can do it!
The launch was completed with final remarks from the President of Fa’asaleleaga Rugby Union, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun whom acknowledged the support of Frankie Company Ltd, Apia Lua Transport Company Ltd, SSAB Company Ltd, TV1, Federal Pacific Insurance and also the President of Samoa Rugby Union for his individual support.
Frankie Savaii 7’s Circuit 2019 hosted the first leg last Saturday with nine (9) teams competing. The other remaining legs will be held on the 26th January and last leg on the 2nd February 2019. The remaining legs are open to all teams in Savaii to register. $100 registration for one team and if two teams its $50 per team.
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