Samoa Stationery and Books (SSAB) has given a $10,000 sponsorship to the SSAB Get into Rugby Schools National XV's Rugby Championship.

It is the first time for the company to sponsor a school rugby tournament, said SSAB marketing and communications manager Asomua Anastasia Stanley, who spoke on behalf of President and CEO, Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai.

"The sponsorship was worth $10,000 in total value which is comprised of $5,000 cash and $5,000 in-kind," Asomua said. 

“We always have requests for assistance from so many people and organisations, we try to help in any way we can and so the reason behind our sponsorship, was for the sole purpose of supporting education and sports altogether which is the future for our younger generation.

“At the end of the day, we acknowledge our Heavenly Father for everything he has done because he is the source of our blessings,” said Asomua.

Responding to the gesture, School Principal’s Association president Matafeo Reupena Matafeo thanked SSAB for their generous assistance.

“Words fail to express our sincere gratitude towards SSAB for aiding our call of help in supporting the development of sports within our schools.

“We are very happy with the results in terms of the performance showcased by both male and female players and also that there were no brawls between schools.

“We are also thankful to the Samoa Rugby Union (SRU) for their assistance during the games, they act as our technical advice and every sponsorship is directed to them whereas they allocate the donation and rest assured that every cent has been accounted for,” Matafeo said.

Speaking on behalf of SRU was competitions development manager, Taala Anae Tui Komiti, who thanked SSAB for contributing to the successful tournament last week through the donation. 

“We always have to give back the thanksgiving to God for his guidance upon us all – the aim of our union is to develop the skills and talent by our Samoan players which is both females and males especially in schools in the sport of rugby.

 “We also acknowledge the support from all the school’s principals who took part in the tournament last week and all the schools that participated which contributed in a successful tournament.”