SOLOMON PORTS MAJOR SPONSOR OF NATIONAL 7S COMPETITION
Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA), trading as Solomon Ports, has reaffirmed its commitment to sports development in Solomon Islands with a SBD $100,000 sponsorship towards the Solomon Ports National Rugby 7s Tournament, scheduled to take place in Honiara this September.
The 3 day Rugby Competition will commence on Wednesday 16th Sep and ends on Friday 18th Spe. The tournament will bring together 8 Association members and top 4 local clubs for the Men’s category. While 4 teams for women’s category , and 13 teams from High schools.
The official sponsorship announcement was held at the SIPA Headquarters and was attended by SIPA Interim Board Chairman Mr. Robert Iroga, Chief Executive Officer Mr. George Rausi, and representatives of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF), including Chief Executive Officer Mr. Alivereti Mocelutu and Vice President Mr. Carlwin Tengemoana.
As the major sponsor of the National 7s Tournament, SIPA’s contribution will support the successful hosting and delivery of the competition, which is expected to bring together rugby players from across the country.
Solomon Ports has a strong history of supporting rugby and sports development in Solomon Islands. Its most recent major rugby sponsorship was in 2024, when Solomon Islands hosted the prestigious Oceania 7s Tournament in Honiara, with Solomon Ports also serving as a major sponsor.
Speaking at the sponsorship ceremony, SIPA Interim Board Chairman Mr. Robert Iroga said Solomon Ports was pleased to support the tournament, highlighting the important role of sport in bringing people together.
“SIPA believes that through sports we can create good citizens in all sectors of life, especially with young people, and we want to see the widespread development of this sport,” he said.
SIPA Chief Executive Officer Mr. George Rausi said the sponsorship also reflects the Authority’s continued efforts to strengthen its relationship with the wider community.
“SIPA is not only about the berthing of vessels; it is also about being part of the community. When a port is effective, the community also thrives, and we believe this support will surely go towards its intended purpose,” he said.
Mr. Rausi added that SIPA and SIRUF share common values in using sport as a platform to bring people together.
“I believe SIPA and SIRUF share the same values when it comes to bringing people together through such initiatives,” he said.
In response, SIRUF Chief Executive Officer Mr. Alivereti Mocelutu thanked Solomon Ports for its continued support towards rugby development in Solomon Islands.
He said the sponsorship goes beyond financial assistance and represents an investment in the future development of rugby in the country.
“This tournament is about giving opportunities to rugby players in the country, turning challenges into opportunities, especially for our young players,” he said.
The Solomon Ports National Rugby 7s Tournament is expected to provide a valuable platform for players to showcase their skills, gain competitive experience and contribute to the continued growth of rugby in Solomon Islands.
Solomon Ports remains committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to youth development, community engagement and the growth of sports in the country.
Solomon Ports wishes all the participating teams the very best in the competition.