BSP backs surfing with K50,000, secures naming rights for national titles

THE Surfing Association Papua New Guinea Inc (SAPNG) has secured the naming-rights sponsorship from Bank South Pacific (BSP) with a K50,000 commitment to stage the BSP SAPNG National Surfing Titles and Oceania Surfing Cup selection trials, to be staged at the Pyramid Board Riders Club, Taurama West, from Oct 19-20.
SAPNG president and co-founder Andrew Abel said titles would select out of SAPNG’s ten affiliated surf clubs, 12 top short-board riders (male and female) to send to Fiji to compete with the best in Oceania. The selection trials will also include the long-board division.
“The event will run 30 minute heats subject to the swells and tides,” he said.
“Anyone interested to watch these trials are welcome to come to Pyramid Board Riders Club at Taurama.”
Marketing and public relations head Gorethy Semi said this was the first time for BSP to partner surfing.
“We pride ourselves on our core value ‘community’ and surfing not only develops the sport but contributes to the community where the competitions are held,” she said.
“It includes teaching kids to surf, promoting awareness on social issues such as violence against women, contributing to local businesses and promoting our SME and this sport is one of those driving tourism in the country.”