Contacts:

Fusikaunanga Kupu

Marketing, Digicel Tonga

Mobile: +676 841 5019

Email: fusi.kupu@digicelgroup.com

DIGICEL to kick start digicel cup tournament

Thursday 8^th September 2011 – Nuku’alofa:  In a press conference today, Digicel (Tonga) Ltd in collaboration with the Rugby Unions from the outer islands ‘Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u  have signed an agreement to kick start the Digicel Cup Rugby Tournament for the upcoming season next year.

Digicel has agreed to supply the three rugby unions from the outer islands ‘Eua , Ha’apai and Vava’u with financial support as well as agreeing to co-brand jerseys and see to the provision of things such as Medical Cases, Water Bottles and carriers, kicking tees, tackles bags, contact shields and other body amour to name a few.

Latiume Kaufusi, President of the Ha’apai Rugby Union says “We at Ha’apai feel very privileged to have Digicel (Tonga) supporting this venture and making this dream a reality for not only us but most importantly our young rugby players.”

Digicel’s CEO Paul Stafford adds “Today marks a momentous event in the history of Tongan Sport. We are proud to sponsor Rugby at a grass-roots level because it is here we mentor and foster the stars of the future.  Digicel prides itself assisting organizations like the Rugby Unions from the outer islands Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u the necessary funds to assist in the day to day administration.  It’s the people behind the scenes that keep the sport alive.  We look forward to seeing the benefits of this sponsorship by the end of the season.

 As it seems that perhaps the greatest life lessons are learned in sports, Digicel makes it a point to extend their helping hand to encourage and support many sporting activities in Tonga. They have been showing their support through their involvement with local sporting competitions for primary and secondary schools, village volleyball teams , Rugby and Golf events and even the Paralympics. Now, Digicel is also found helping the rugby unions from the outer islands ‘Eua , Ha’apai and Vava’u through hosting this tournament of the most popular sport in Tonga, not only for the enjoyment of people, but also giving local talents the chance to showcase their abilities and participate in these events which just may allow them to potentially make a living.

About Digicel

After nine years of operation, Digicel Group Limited has 11 million customers across its 32 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.

Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.

Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Jamaica, Haiti and Papua New Guinea which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.

In 2004, Digicel developed Digicel Rising Stars – an annual talent show to support aspiring young music artists in the Caribbean. The show has spanned the Eastern Caribbean, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago ranking as one of the top-rated shows.

Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and its markets comprise: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Nauru, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and Vanuatu. Digicel also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barts in the Caribbean.

Visit www.digicelgroup.com  for more information.