Kina Bank is proud to announce a donation of K100, 000 to the Lae Biscuit School Rugby Program, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to youth development and community engagement in Lae and Morobe Province.
This contribution will support the Lae Biscuit School Rugby Program, an initiative driven by the Lae Biscuit Company, a prominent local business entity that has had a long standing involvement with developing junior rugby league in Papua New Guinea particularly in schools.
Kina Bank Chief Operating Officer Roppe Uyassi said: “Rugby league has a huge following in PNG, and while it has thrived at the senior levels, there has been limited focus and investment in developing the sport at the junior levels.”
“Our support for this program is about nurturing young men and women and providing them with the opportunities to excel both on and off the field. It is also a symbol of the long relationship our Kina Bank Lae team has with Lae Biscuit.”
The Lae Biscuit School Rugby Program, supported by Lae Biscuit Company and owner Ian Chow, has already established a pathway for young talents to be identified and groomed for semi-professional rugby league clubs like the Lae Snax Tigers. A notable number of players from this pathway, including Justin Olam, have gone on to play in overseas competitions.
“Kina Bank believes in the power of sports to inspire and unite communities. We are committed to nurturing the talent and potential of young men and women in Lae and Morobe Province. This investment in youth development will help build a brighter future, empowering our young people to achieve their dreams both on and off the field.”
Ian Chow, CEO of Lae Biscuit Company Ltd, expressed his deep appreciation to Kina Bank for their sponsorship, highlighting how vital such partnerships are for the continued growth of rugby league in the region.
“We are extremely grateful to Kina Bank for their K100,000 sponsorship. Their support will significantly impact the development of young players and the future of rugby league in Lae,” said Mr. Chow.
He added that this collaboration is not just about financial support but also about a shared vision of empowering the youth and strengthening the sport that is so close to the hearts of many Papua New Guineans.
The partnership with Lae Biscuit is set for a period of 12 months, extending until 2025. During this time, the Lae Biscuit School Rugby Program will be rolled out to 10 schools in Lae.