Caption: Tournament sponsor Mr Govind Goundar (4th from left) of Island Pacific Apparel with the officials during launching ceremony and handing over of sponsorship cheque. Photo: ANUSHIL KUMAR.
By ANUSHIL KUMAR
The stage for the inaugural Island Pacific Apparel 5-a-side soccer is all set following its official launching ceremony on Monday, December 8.
Tagged as the biggest five-a-side soccer tournament ever organised in Fiji, coordinator Nadeem Mohammed said he was extremely proud of the quick responses of the team as he mentioned a total of 40 teams around the country showed their interest for the tournament.
“The team’s quick responses before the pool draws were very appreciative and the amount of interest this tournament has generated not only in Nadi but amongst teams from around the country.
“It is really encouraging to realise suddenly that December 14th will assemble 40 very well prepared sides at Nadi Muslim College Grounds and the competition level is already intensifying in the atmosphere.”
The tournament received a timely boost of $1500 from sponsors Island Pacific Apparels and coordinator Mohammed applauded them for their great support.
“I must thank Mr Govind Goundar the Managing Director and Mr. Sunil Chand, the Sales and Marketing Manager of Island Pacific Apparel, for making this event happen at such a high profile. Companies like this should be recognized for helping in the growth of sports in the country as this tournament would certainly expose many untapped talents.” Mr Nadeem mentioned.
Island Pacific Apparel marketing manager Sunil Chand announced the tournament will now become an annual event and will be organised on a bigger scale, however the officials would decide on the competition to be played during the mid year.
The winning team would walkaway $750 richer with the tournament cup donated by Bashir Ahmed and Family of Canada, Runner up will grab $200 cash while the losing semi-finalists will be rewarded with $100 each.