Grass Skirt Project to stage Hevea Cup

THE Grass Skirt Project, a not-for-profit initiative focused on preventing domestic and sexual violence through sports, announced the launch of the inaugural Hevea Cup Carnival and Wellness Expo on International Women’s Day on Friday.
“We are truly excited to bring this event to Papua New Guinea,” said Tahina Booth, athlete and founder of the Grass Skirt Project.
“The International Women’s Day is also the perfect day to launch this carnival because we as an organisation celebrate women and are all about promoting gender equity, and highlighting the issues surrounding domestic and sexual violence”.
Officially known as the Hevea Cup International Rugby League 9s, the carnival will comprise 24 teams (12 men and 12 women), from around PNG and the wider Pacific region, who will come together to play rugby, promote health and celebrate the vital role of women.
The event will be held on Friday and Saturday at the Oil Search National Football Stadium (NFS) in Port Moresby.
During the press conference at the NFS yesterday, the Grass Skirt Project announced that the carnival would be complemented by a Wellness Expo.
The Expo will feature over 40 stalls, training and education workshops, and activities for kids — including a jumping castle.
The Expo will be attended by celebrity guests including Grass Skirt Project ambassador, PNG Orchids and Brisbane Broncos player Amelia Kuk.
There will also be appearances from PNG Hunters players and former Canberra Raiders player David Westley.
“We are so excited about this and it will be a great opportunity for the whole family to attend and enjoy,” said PNG Orchids captain Carol Humeu.
Humeu and PNG Palais skipper Debbie Kaore, who were present at the presser yesterday, will be key participants at this event.
The event’s sponsors include: Oil Search Foundation, Bel Isi PNG, Brian Bell, EMTV, Marie Stopes, Femili PNG, Susu Mamas, WeCare, ChildFund, Wantaim PNG, Sustainable Coastlines, PNG Olympic Committee and PNG Tribal Foundation.
The Brian Bell Group has sponsored K30,000 in prizes to be won at the event through the Hevea Passport competition.
The entry fee for the event is K2 per person.
For details Tahina Booth can be contacted on [email protected]