By Lorraine Genia – EM TV Sport, Port Moresby
Possibly one of the biggest sevens tournaments in the country, the Black Orchid Sevens, has been set for June 11 – 12, this year and for the first time in Arawa town.
With sponsorship from Pacific Industries and support from Union President, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, the tournament will reward over 36 teams with K100,000 in cash prizes.
The Black Orchids have engaged a mass following throughout the country, not because of their uniquely featured jerseys which have become common and highly favourable amongst rugby fans, but due to their efforts in using rugby to unite and restore peace throughout the Bougainville community.
Tsiamalili Jnr has said the hosting of the tournament has become an iconic sporting event complimenting the 2001 peace agreement, following years of fighting and dispute.
As it has been doing for the past decade, the tournament and Black Orchids program in June will be used to design the mind-set of youth and children of Bougainville.
