Wigmen raise over K1m

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

THE Kemele Hela Wigmen Digicel Cup rugby league franchise received overwhelming corporate support during a fundraiser at the Dynasty Restaurant last Thursday.

 Over K1 million was committed through naming rights sponsor Firman Joseph of Kemele Construction (K500,000), Hela provincial government by Hela Governor Anderson Agiru (K500,000), Komo Magarima MP Francis Potape (K120,000), Koroba Lake Kopiago MP Philip Undialu (K100,000) and special guest, Western Governor Ati Wobiro K150,000. 

 In addition Minister for Sports and 2015 Pacific Games Justin Tkatchenko pledged to help in the development of a gymnasium and oval facilities in Tari through the sports enhancement programme.

Tkatchenko only asked for Agiru to help in acquiring land to ensure the development of the Wigmen home-ground becomes a reality.

The team shares the Late Joe Keviame Oval (Tente) with PRK Mendi Muruks as their home-ground in Mendi.

Wigmen board chairman Andy Hetra said the successful fundraiser would help greatly in ensuring some of their club objectives.

“While establishing ourselves in the Digicel Cup is important, we (Hela Wigmen Rugby Limited) are here for the long run to open the pathway for rugby league to be used as a vehicle for development in Hela,” he said.

Hetra said developing rugby league at the district level was of paramount importance towards ensuring there were committed and responsible young men aspiring to compete at the highest level.       

Hetra made special reference to Posman Kua Asi Lawyers, Trans Wonderland Transport, MRDC and Hides Gas Development Company for buying two tables each at K10,000 a table. Others that bought tables were: Heli Solutions, Gigira Development Corporation, Southern Cross Assurance, Kimbu Lawyers, Ipwenz Construction, Paradise Tailoring, National Petroleum Company, James Marape, Undialu, Potape, PRK, Liquid Niugini Gas, Hela Provincial Government.