The inaugural Hevea Cup Carnival & Wellness Expo is set to run on International Women’s Day – March 8th.
Grass Skirt Project, a not for profit initiative focused on preventing domestic and sexual violence through the vehicle of sport, recently announced the launch.
“We are truly excited to bring this incredible event to Papua New Guinea,” said Tahina Booth, Athlete and Founder of the Grass Skirt Project. “The International Women’s Day is also the perfect day to launch this amazing Carnival because we as an organisation celebrate women and are all about promoting gender equity, and highlighting the issues surrounding domestic and sexual violence.”
Officially known as the “Hevea Cup International Rugby League 9’s”, the Carnival will comprise of 24 teams (12 men’s and 12 women’s), from around PNG and the wider Pacific region, who will come together to play rugby, promote health and celebrate the vital role of women.
The event will be held across two days, 8th and 9th of March, at the Oil Search National Football Stadium (NFS) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
The Grass Skirt Project announced that the Carnival will be complimented by a Wellness Expo. This Expo will feature over 40 stalls, training and education workshops, and activities for kids – including a jumping castle.
The Expo will be attended by celebrity guests including Grass Skirt Project Ambassador, PNG Orchids and Brisbane Broncos player Amelia Kuk. There will also be appearances from PNG Hunters players and former Canberra Raiders player David Westley.
“We are so excited about this and it will be a great opportunity for the whole family to attend and enjoy!” said PNG Orchids Captain Carol Humeu. Humeu and PNG Palais Captain Debbie Kaore will be key participants at this event.
The Brian Bell Group has sponsored K30,000 in prizes to be won at the event through the Hevea Passport competition. Entry fee for this event is K2 per person.
(From left: Debbie Kaore, Tahina Booth, Carol Humeu and David Westley)