Coca-Cola, PNGRFL ink deal

COCA-COLA Amatil (PNG) Limited yesterday signed a five-year agreement with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) as the naming rights sponsor of the National Schools Rugby league (NSRL).
Chairman Sandis Tsaka, pictured, said PNGRFL was grateful to the company for its support towards the programme.
“This signing between Coca-Cola (Amatil) PNG and PNGRFL is a significant investment for the future of rugby league,” he said.
Tsaka said the programme provided a pathway for young players — both male and female — between the ages of 14 and 18.
“Not everybody will make it to the top level but we must use the passion that Papua New Guineans have for rugby league to encourage our young people and youths to embrace education and become better citizens and leaders of the future,” Tsaka said.
PNGRFL chief executive Reatau Rau said his office was preparing the necessary documents and programmes for next year’s competition.
“As soon as the academic year begins, we will send the necessary registration and affiliation documents for the schools to fill out and sign, so all the paper work is in order before they start their competition,” Rau said.
“The plan is to hold the Coca-Cola National Schools Championships during the second term break in July.”
Rau said prior to that, the regional championships would be held in June.
“I can assure you that it will be an experience for those selected to represent their schools and confederates,” Rau said.
He said yesterday’s signing ended months of negotiations.
“We invite corporate organisations wishing to be part of this junior development programme to get in touch with us,” Rau said.
The signing of the five-year agreement for the naming rights of the National Schools Rugby League (NSRL) competition marks a significant investment by Coca-Cola Papua New Guinea in the community.
Coca-Cola Amatil (PNG) Limited general manager Joyonto Chaudhury said: “As in any country, Coca-Cola has always strived to be a part of the fabric of and a positive contributor to communities where we operate in more than 200 countries across the globe.
“Coca-Cola recognises that rugby league is not only a sport but more than that, it could be a force of positive inspiration to the young generation of PNG.”