BSP: We’ll continue to support PNG sports

BANK South Pacific Financial Group Limited (BSP) has reaffirmed its support for sports after being named as one of three finalists for the Stan Joyce Award.
A new category of the SP Sports Awards, it recognises corporate organisations that contribute to the development of sports in the country.
BSP head of marketing and public relations, Gorethy Semi, told The National that the bank was proud to be recognised for its support to sports in Papua New Guinea.
“In 2019 alone, BSP PNG’s corporate social responsibility contribution was K4.2 million, which covered donations, community projects and sponsorships,” she said.
“The bank’s sponsorships totalled K2.1 million, of which more than K970,000 was direct sponsorship to sports and over K220,000 was through sports-related community projects.
“These sports-related projects included the renovation of basketball and volleyball courts, grand stands and sporting venues in communities around the country.
“At BSP, we pride ourselves on our core value of ‘community’ and have always been a great supporter of sports in the communities that we operate in.
“In 2019, BSP supported sports such as Cricket PNG, through the BSP School Kriket program, rugby league’s Kimbe Cutters, PNG Swimming Incorporated, PNG Surfing, PNG Volleyball, PNG Billiards and Snooker.
“We also supported other sports such as PNG Squash and tennis, golf events and soccer.”
Semi said due to the 2020 Covid-19 restrictions, including those on gatherings, a number of sporting events that BSP would normally assist were not held in that year.
“Therefore, BSP’s support was less than that of 2019,” she said.
“Our sports contribution was more than K600,000 in 2020. The pandemic, however, didn’t stop us from delivering our annual community projects that were focused on helping PNG against the pandemic.
“We handed over 105 wash stations, equipped 23 hospitals with much-needed gear – including personal protective equipment – and equipped 23 schools with computers and other support to the value of over K1.4 million.”
When asked about BSP’s plans for future contributions to sports in light of Covid-19, Semi said BSP was a proud PNG brand and they were happy to continue supporting sports, provided all requirements were met under the bank’s sponsorship guidelines – including a review of sponsorship agreements and reports.
“And most of all adhering to the ‘niupela pasin’ measures that are set by the Government,” she said.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, we need to ensure sporting bodies are meeting respective requirements for the safety of players and supporters.”
BSP is also proud that most of the sports it has supported over the years have also been recognised in the prestigious SP Sports Awards.
“We commend the PNG Baramundis for being selected as a finalist in the team of the year award,” Semi said.
“Most of these Baramundis are products of BSP School Kriket, an international award-winning programme that the bank has supported for more than 10 years.”
On behalf of BSP, she commended the Awards organising committee for the new category, the Stan Joyce Award, which will be awarded every two years.
“The award, in recognition of companies’ support to sports, is a good initiative and we hope other companies will also be recognised for their support to sports in PNG as sports play an integral part in social and economic development in any country,” Semi said.
“I would also like to take this opportunity, on behalf of BSP, to thank the other support sponsors of BSP’s sponsored sports for their support as well. The consolidated support, big or small, makes a lot of difference and contributes to the overall delivery and success of any sporting event and competition.”