The National Bank of Samoa (N.B.S.) is looking to support more local sport, starting with a local crew in the Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament which starts tomorrow.

N.B.S. is sponsoring Roy Lee’s boat Yellowfin in the tournament, with a contribution of 10,000 tala in cash and in-kind services.

“N.B.S. has jumped on board and sponsored some uniforms for the fishing crew, and we’ve given them some money as well just to help out with the tournament,” said N.B.S. Marketing Manager Alaiali’i Carlos Sialaoa.

“They approached us last year, so we got approval for sponsorship.”

He said they were keen to get on board with the tournament, which is going to be held for the 23rd year in a row.

“Our byline is ‘We Are Samoa’, and that’s what we really want to hone in on.”

N.B.S Marketing Advisor Angela Coombes agrees.

“We’re just really happy to be supporting the Samoan lifestyle, and the people of Samoa,” she said.

“A local bank supporting local fishermen in an international competition, to make sure they go far.”

The bank has also signed on to sponsor the Navigators PPS Super 9 rugby franchise, who represent the regions of Safata and Lefaga.

“The bank will be giving back to the local community through a number of different initiatives,” Coombes said

“We’ll be supporting quite a lot more local sporting teams, so some good changes.

She said it was an exciting time to be getting on board with sport in Samoa, given the upcoming Pacific Games in July, and the Manu Samoa’s Rugby World Cup campaign heading into September when the tournament kicks off in Japan.