MOTOR vehicle dealer Ela Motors has continued its partnership with Enga province’s SP Cup rugby league team the Mioks by cementing their sponsorship for the Toyota Mioks franchise.
At the official launching yesterday in Port Moresby, Ela Motors CEO Wally Haydok, in the presence of Engan Governor Peter Ipatas, said that Ela Motors was committed to making a contribution to the sporting community in line with their Community Spirit Programme and that rugby league was by far the sport of choice and received overwhelming support from the people.
The Mioks are a unique franchise in that they receive guidance, support and assistance from their provincial government.
Haydok also paid tribute to Governor Ipatas for using the sport as a tool to promote unity, fair play, pride and sportsmanship.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank Governor Peter Ipatas for his and his government’s initiative and continued support of our Toyota Mioks and the National Rugby League”.
Also mentioned during the press conference was last year’s well documented off-field incident by Miok players that brought the game into disrepute.
Sounding off a challenge, Haydok urged players to participate in the true spirit of the game.
“The unsavoury actions of a handful of people don’t represent the team, the management and their supporters,” he said.
“Being in a team is just like being in a business, everybody must work together towards a common goal – and those who don’t do not belong in the team. There will always be challenges so we find solutions and move on.”
Governor Ipatas expressed his gratitude to Ela Motors and noting that as part of a global motor company they were able to continue their sponsorship with Enga Mioks.
He called on supporters and players to take the sponsorship seriously as it is hard to find such sponsorship to back a semi professional competition.
The governor repeated his call that there will be zero tolerance on and off-field incidents and he expect the best from the players and the officials.
Ipatas said he was happy that Ela Motors have come on board to renew their sponsorship agreement.