THIRTEEN secondary schools in the country have received one of the biggest sponsorships in their various rugby teams after Beyond Limits Known (BLK) sportswear manufacturer and distributor offered discounted team uniforms to the schools. The total sponsorship package given to schools which had been helped so far is about $200,000, said BLK director commercial and marketing, Liga Gukisuva. The former secondary school rugger said it was about helping improve the development of grassroots rugby in the country. “We cannot expect a tree to bear fruit if we can’t maintain and look after it’s roots,” Gukisuva said. “That is why we are giving the children the best material and sports attire that can boost their morale and performances on the rugby field and to help them become future stars of the country.” Suva Grammar School received five sets of rugby uniforms for their five teams. Each team has a different design. Each set costs about $1000. School principal Segran Pillay said the sponsorship would boost the students’ participation in the competition. “I thank BLK for its generous offer,” Pillay said. John Wesley College also received two sets of uniforms. Its principal Naisa Cama said BLK helped expose the student’s talents because of its affordable price since the school was facing difficulties in trying to buy new sets of rugby uniforms. “We only have two sets of jerseys which was worn by all the five grades and BLK just answered our prayers with their support. “We would like to thank them and Vodafone for their sponsorship including the $4000,” Cama said. “This will definitely help us raise our standard in the Powerade Deans Trophy competition, and also academically for the students.” The 13 schools gained from BLK help are SGS, JWC, Queen Victoria School, St John’s College, Cuvu College, Natabua High School, Lelean Memorial School, Ba Provincial College, William Cross College, Nasinu Secondary School, Ratu Navula College, Ratu Sukuna Memorial School and Latter-Day Saints College.
