Vodafone Samoa has donated more than $54,000 to the Marist St Joseph’s Sports Club for their upcoming Sports Season this year.

“Marist has been a great supporter of Vodafone Samoa and has been a great platform for us to give back to our community, Samoa. 

"Our relationship started from when we partnered with the Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association and has only grown to greater heights such as now with the Marist St Joseph’s Sports Club,” says Nofoasaefa Satish Sharma, the Chief Executive Officer for Vodafone Samoa.

With less than a week to go before the 33rd Vailima Marist International Sevens kicks off, the President of the Marist Sports Club, Faimalomatumua Matthew Lemisio shared his gratitude for the support by the local telecommunications company which cut a cheque for  $54,240. 

“I would like to thank Nofoasaefa Satish Sharma and the Vodafone family for this kind donation. Your assistance allows Marist to provide an international platform for the development of sports in Samoa. 

"Thank you for believing in our vision and lending your shoulder to help us through the preparations for the Marist Sports Season,” he said.

A combined effort to counter the effects of a challenging year gone past has seen Marist and Vodafone provide hope in the midst of adversity.

“Let us remain resilient through adversity - let us do for our family, our children, and our community. At the end of the day that is what Marist is all about, family. We are still pushing through all of this regardless of the situation. Let us find hope and faith in these testing times,” said Faimalomatumua.

The C.E.O. of Vodafone confirmed that in their agreement they will stay committed to the Marist Sports Club and all their sporting initiatives. 

“With this agreement, I can gladly say on behalf of Vodafone that we are committed to Marist Sports Club and its sporting initiatives. Thank you for giving us a platform to continue to help grow local sporting talents in Samoa," says Nofoasaefa.

Sixteen teams have registered for the 33rd Vailima Marist International 7’s, which will take place on 26 - 27 February at Apia Park Stadium.

The 5th Marist Sports Season 2021 includes netball, boxing, rugby sevens, touch rugby, and rugby league that will be carried over from February to June.