The country’s national rugby sevens squad yesterday received 17 mosquito nets as they remain in camp in preparation for the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea next month.
The nets were donated by the Guadalcanal Provincial malaria department and handed over by the Guadalcanal malaria program manager, Francis Oto.
Speaking during the brief handing over yesterday Oto said, his department was very happy to support the rugby sevens squad.
“We are very happy to support the rugby squad.
“We understand the squad is in its final weeks before the Pacific Games, so these bed nets will cater for their protection against mosquitos which can transmit Malaria and can affect the fitness of the players,” he said.
The assistance came about following a request by the team management as they see the need for the team’s protection against malaria.
Senior player, Roman Tongaka spoke on behalf of the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) acknowledging the Guadalcanal malaria department for the support.
“On behalf of SIRUF and the team I wish to thank the Guadalcanal malaria department for these bed nets.
“This support meant so much to us as it will protect us as we remain in camp for the Pacific Games.
“We searched everywhere for bed nets but most of the places that we reached, their bed nets ran out of stock until we reached out for the Guadalcanal Malaria team,” he said.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
