K1.4mil for PNG Orchids

By PATRICIA KEAMO
OIL Search has reaffirmed its support for the Papua New Guinea Orchids which will help boost the national women’s team for this year’s Rugby League World Cup campaign in England.
Oil Search country manager Leon Buskins said their commitment to the Orchids comprised the 2020 and 2021 sponsorship which amounted to K1.4 million.
He said it was a commitment to rugby league especially for women and girls as well as helping the Orchids improve their world ranking.
“We were not able to sponsor (the Orchids) last year because of Covid-19 challenges and the number of international fixtures,” Buskins said.
“We are committed to roll over last year’s sponsorship to this year.
“We started the inaugural sponsorship of the Orchids in 2017 as we believe the country’s national sport of rugby league should be the domain of men and women.”
Buskins said it was a powerful platform not only for promoting women in sports, but to inspire others to work towards their dreams.
PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) chairman Sandis Tsaka, while acknowledging Oil Search for their commitment, said the Orchids were a brand for the women’s game in the country.
“To bring together 17 or 18 women that make the final Orchids team requires substantial investment at the grassroots, provincial, confederate and national levels which are the pathway to identifying players,” he said.
“The funding that is provided through the Oil Search Orchids brand is actually used to support the women’s game at the grassroots level up to the national scene.
“While it may be ‘Oil Search PNG Orchids’, it is a brand for the women’s game throughout the country.
“The commitment by Oil Search to roll over their funding support from 2020 is significant given that 2021 is a World Cup year.”
Tsaka acknowledged Buskins and Oil Search for their continued support, adding that they had lost some of their sponsors last year due to the pandemic.
“On behalf of all our passionate rugby league families in PNG and abroad, we extend our sincere gratitude for your continued valuable support and contributions to the Oil Search PNG Orchids and PNG rugby league.”