TRUA Fundraising Appeal

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May
3

Tuesday 3^rd May 2011

TRUA Fundraising Appeal

The Tonga Rugby Union Authority commenced fundraising efforts for the ‘Ikale Tahi Rugby World Cup campaign on Saturday 9^th April 2011 with the Western District of Tongatapu 5 & 6 electoral constituencies. The National Team, ‘Ikale Tahi will be participating in the Churchill Cup, London in June, the Pacific Nations Cup, Fiji in July and a two test series with Fiji in August before the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September 2011.

The proceeds from the fundraising will go towards the costs associated with participation in these international matches prior to and during the tournaments. The appeal will be made to the villages in Tongatapu as well as the outer islands and also the Tongan communities abroad.

The first appeal was held in the Western district of Tongatapu with TRUA Director Fakahau Valu and ex-national player Rocky Fotu leading the charge from Ha’atafu, Kanokupolu, ‘Ahau, Kolovai, Ha’avakatolo, Fo’ui, Kala’au, Fahefa and Vaotu’u.

Deputy Chairman ‘Aminiasi Kefu and Talai Fifita brought the appeal through Masilamea, Te’ekiu, Matahau, Nukunuku, Matafonua, Fatai and Lakepa. Rev. Tevita Lataialakepa, TRUA Director and ex National player Rev. Peni Kaihau proceeded to visit the villages of Puke, Hofoa, Matalikufisi, Matangiake, Lomaiviti, ‘Utulau, Ha’akame, Ha’alalo and Houma to meet up and complete the appeal for the Western District.

The Chairman of the TRUA Fundraising Committee, Fakahau Valu stated that, “We are grateful for the support shown by the people of the Western District in this time of financial struggles. They give because they were rugby players, their fathers were rugby players and they have sons who are playing rugby and they love the game. We thank you very much.”

Over $5000 pa’anga was raised in the first appeal. The fundraising will continue to the Central District on Thursday 12 May, Eastern District on the 19^th May and the Town District on the 28^th May. In July, the fundraising will continue to the Tongan communities abroad of the US, Australia and New Zealand.