By Lorraine Genia – EMTV Sports, Port Moresby
The 11th Black Orchid Sevens Tournament is set to be bigger and better this year.
With the tournament extending to Arawa this year, President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Rugby Union, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, say’s it’s all about maximum exposure in the region, and growing the game.
Following the grand launching last week at the Laguna Hotel in the Nation’s Capital, President of AROBRFU, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr is looking forward to the prospect of hosting the biggest sevens rugby tournament in the country, in Arawa Town.
The founder of Black Orchids Rugby and a former Pukpuk rep himself, Tsiamalili has continued to use rugby as a tool to instil peace and harmony in many communities throughout the region, following devastating times.
This year will be a first of many. The obvious extension to Arawa, the inclusion of a women’s tournament, and the involvement of countless teams from in and around the country.
Kelly Havara has been the man on the ground driving much of the union’s program and activities to achieve a common goal – expanding the game, and enhancing peace.
The tournament kicks off on July 2nd, and will continue through till the 3rd. Teams are expected from as far as the East New Britain Province, Central, and Port Moresby.
