Trukai renews Cowboys sponsorship

TRUKAI Industries, Papua New Guinea’s leading rice company, has extended its major sponsorship of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys for this year.
Part of the club’s major sponsor family since 2008, Trukai is a strong supporter of sport and healthy living at grassroots level in PNG, and its association with the Cowboys has continued to boost the code’s profile where rugby league is already a national sport.
Throughout the partnership, Trukai has maintained a strong visible connection with the team, with the company’s logo featuring on the back of the playing shorts and regular visits by Cowboys players to PNG for local events.
A number of exciting initiatives promoting grassroots development are planned for 2011, and Cowboys general manager – commercial Stephen Mitchell says the partnership is working well towards achieving some important objectives.
“We’re delighted that Trukai will continue as a major sponsor this season, and believe that our ongoing relationship will continue to strengthen ties with the Papua New Guinean community, which has shown unyielding support for our club,”  Mitchell said.
“As a community-owned club, we appreciate being part of Trukai’s programmes to improve the health and well-being of PNG communities through sport and healthy living.”
Trukai Industries chief operating officer Marc Denovan said: “Trukai’s renewal of its sponsorship of the NQ Cowboys is part of channelling assistance towards the development of the game in PNG and allows Trukai to contribute to the community.
“All NRL teams are respected by the rugby league-mad population and it’s the most popular sporting competition followed in PNG.
“The Cowboys have one of the best players in the world in Johnathan Thurston, whom thousands of kids around the world aspire to be.
“And they also have several other players like Matt Bowen, Brent Tate and Willie Tonga who are, or have been a part, of the Queensland or NSW State of Origin teams as well as PNG players.
“So whether people are direct fans of the Cowboys or not, they are still a great vehicle with which to influence and change mindsets of both young and old.
“We want to use the players as role models and to encourage, especially the younger generation, on lessons such as hard work, commitment, determination, discipline and respect; that they can apply when playing sport, at school or work and to life in general.
“If these messages are coming from sports persons that they idolise and respect, then it’s more likely they will take these lessons on board.
“Trukai is looking forward to a fantastic season for the Cowboys and will  help them develop the game in PNG and promote our work within the community.” – NRL.com