The announcement was made yesterday when a cheque was presented by the Company’s Executive Director, Patrick Labongis, to the New Ireland Rugby League Union (NIRFU) Present, Charlie Melachon and his tournament affiliates on Lihir Island.
Melachon in thanking Anitua Ltd for taking up the naming rights sponsorship, described the support as a milestone partnership between the landowner company and the NIRFU.
“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.”
“This commitment will also go a long way to support our youth as well the development of rugby league union on Lihir, New Ireland and Papua New Guinea as a whole.
“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 its commitment as this tournament is its first in Lihir ,” he said.
Labongis when presenting the cheque to the NIRFU, said the commitment is in the line with Anitua’s vision to create sustainable opportunities for future Lihirians, as guided by the Lihir Destiny.
” The future of Lihir lies in the youth. Sports as we know, is a tool to drive positive change in the communities,” he said.
“The 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.”
The company hopes to use sports as a platform top encourage its values, which includes respect, accountability, integrity and One Team.
The Anitua Lihir 7s tournament will see will a total of 18 clubs competing for K15,000 as the top prize.
The tournament will be staged from Friday 24th Feb to Saturday 25th Feb.
The NIRFU will host the tournament at the Londolovit Sports Field, Lihir.