Digicel links up with Ipatas Cup

By GABRIEL LAHOC
DIGICEL PNG has thrown its support behind the Ipatas Cup competition with a K5,000 sponsorship package.
The telecommunication company is also the latest sponsor for the competition.
The closed user group (CUG) is not part of the sponsorship.
The CUG will ensure all Ipatas Cup coordinators in the regions throughout PNG were hooked up by the mobile network provider, enabling flexible communication among themselves during the competition. 
This is the second year for Digicel PNG to support the competition.
Digicel PNG Momase regional manager Cameron Hebley said in Lae yesterday the company was delighted to continue as minor sponsors for the event.
“We believe this is a grassroots tournament that attracts players and teams from the remote  parts of PNG, where Digicel coverage predominantly exists.
“We believe our support again this year will help raise the bar in local rugby in the area,” Hebley said.
He said the company was privileged to associate itself with ordinary Papua New Guineans and expose rural talents.
“These were the most appealing factors to Digicel PNG,” he said.
“We know that our support will help bring out and discover raw rugby league talents who can enter the semi-professional competition, the Digicel Cup.”
He also said the competition would now be accessed online with the establishment of a new website currently being finalised.
Ipatas Cup chief executive officer Timothy Lepa said teams from the New Guinea islands region and four teams from outside the National Capital District would be participating in the tournament.