The much anticipated women’s league has been confirmed to kick off shortly after Solomon Games.
Thanks to Solomon Rice Company Ltd for stepping in as major sponsor of the 2016 women’s league.
Their total sponsorship will be around $70,000 for both U16 League and senior women’s league.
SOLRICE General Manager Nick Ellis told local media yesterday that the company was very proud to be accepted by HFA to be the major sponsor of the 2016 HFA women’s league.
“Very shortly the government of Solomon Islands will introduce legislature design to improve the health of Solomon Islanders particularly women and children by introducing fortification into rice and flour,’’ he said.
“And part of our program is that Solrice will be introducing vitamins and nutrients into our rice towards the end of this year.”
He also stressed Solrice see this opportunity with HFA and the U16 girls and senior women’s teams as an opportunity to support the introduction of the vitamins enrichment program into our rice.
Ellis said vitamins enrichment is designed to reduce a number of things with in health issues particularly for women and children but also including some men.
“It’s designed to reduce neural tube defects, its designed to increase oxygen in the blood through reduction of anaemia which is a big problem for women in Solomon Islands, particularly women giving birth,’’ he said.
He also said the nutrients are also designed to help prevent stunting of children.
“So we are very proud to be associated with the program, we’ve worked with a group called Food Fortification Initiative (FFI) as well as the ministry of health and other ministries and NGOs to put this together ,’’ he said.
“So far its take two years, but were are very proud to say that the launch would take place towards the end of this year,’’ he said.
“Thus, we will be calling the women’s leagues, The Solrice Vitamin Enrichment League.’’
He said with the league’s brand name, it will get the message through the people that Vitamins Enrichment is coming, it’s a very positive thing for Solomon Islands which Solrice is very proud of.
“We are also very grateful to the HFA for allowing us to use the women’s teams as a vehicle to promote this excellent program designed to improve the health of Solomon islanders,’’ he said.
Solrice Manager said their sponsorship is an investment in the country.
“Our program is all about making sure that we provide brighter future for Solomon Islanders,’’ he said.
Meanwhile HFA General Secretary Leonard Paia acknowledged the great support from Solrice which he also described as very timely assistance for HFA.
“HFA was unable to run women’s league due to financial constraints for quite a long time,’’ he said.
“But today I would like to thank Solrice for their great support for sponsoring our HFA women’s U16 and senior leagues,’’ Paia said.
The general secretary said the both leagues are expected to kick off on the 23rd of July 2016.
“The League will involve the participation of under 16 teams from Schools in Honiara and senior women teams from HFA Clubs,’’ he added.
By CROFTON UTUKANA
