The FissPotts Rugby 10s will raise funds for Laloki Psychiatric Hospital when the annual charity tournament returns to the Sir John Guise Stadium this Saturday.
The tournament will feature 12 men's teams and three women's teams, with proceeds going towards patient care, facility improvements and community mental health initiatives at the hospital.
FissPotts President Jack Kariko said the club's decision to support Laloki reflects the need to direct attention towards causes that require greater community and financial support.
“Funds raised during the tournament will be dedicated to supporting patient care, facility improvements, and community mental health initiatives at the Laloki Psychiatric Hospital,” Kariko said.
FissPotts Vice President Malcolm Kulu said mental health awareness remains an area requiring greater attention in Papua New Guinea, particularly in helping families and communities recognise when someone may need assistance.
“Right now, I guess you can really say that in terms of mental awareness in PNG and the need for the support of it is not really looked at,” Kulu said.
He said there is also a significant need for funding and stronger support systems for people experiencing mental health challenges.
“There is quite a big need,” Kulu said.
Kulu said the concern extends beyond the hospital system, with greater community awareness needed to help identify people experiencing mental health challenges.
“How do we generate the awareness that mental health is an issue in Papua New Guinea as well, especially in a society where we're closed off from other side, we don't necessarily know how to identify the symptoms of a young person or an old person having mental issues,” he said.
The FissPotts Rugby Club has made charity the central purpose of its annual tournament since it was established in 2015.
Between 2015 and around 2022 or 2023, the club supported Links of Hope and said it raised more than K100,000 for the organisation over the years.
The club has since diversified its beneficiaries, supporting an elementary school in Kimbe in 2023 and children's wards at Angau Hospital in Lae and Kimbe General Hospital last year.
Last year's tournament raised K20,000, with K10,000 going to each children's ward.
Kariko said the club deliberately targets organisations and causes that do not normally receive significant corporate support.
“We target those charities that don't normally receive the normal support,” Kariko said.
This year's fundraising will come from several sources, including team registration, merchandise, food and drinks sold during the tournament, as well as additional donations.
The Australian High Commission's Depot Hippos team is also expected to make a donation to the nominated charity.
“We're happy that a team that's also participating can go out of their way to also raise funds for the nominated charity,” Kariko said.
NiuPower is supporting the tournament this year, with the company saying the charity component was a major reason for its involvement.
“What impressed us most was how far the tournament has come and that they contribute the proceeds to a charity, as mentioned, Laloki this year, and that's why we felt compelled to support this year,” a representative speaking on behalf of the NiuPower CEO Michael Uiari said.
The company also said the tournament's inclusive nature aligns with its own values.
“The tournament brings together people from diverse backgrounds, which is why we've chosen to support as diversity and inclusion is important to us, and we share those values,” the representative said.
The FissPotts Rugby 10s will be held this Saturday, August 15, at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.
