BSP renewed the sponsorship for another three years from 2012 - 2014, at K200, 000 annually. The previous three year sponsorship commitment was at K150,000 per annum.
BSP Group Chief Executive Officer Ian B Clyne when presenting the sponsorship to Tennis PNG today (100412) said the bank was prompted to renew its commitment, as well as increase its support as a result of the outstanding success of the programme last year where there was an increase in participation and interest from schools.
Mr Clyne said the focus of BSP's community initiatives and participation is very much on children and youth programmes in education, health and sport.
"Our young people are the future of our nation and deserve support and encouragement. We encourage children to 'never stop playing' by contributing to sporting organisations that develop kids' sports skills and provide opportunities for them to play," he said.
Since 2009, BSP has invested more than K1 million into children's sporting related partnerships.
"As part of these sponsorships we support thousands of children per year throughout the county to learn tennis, cricket, swimming and to lead active and healthy lifestyles," he added.
For instance, the BSP Regional Tennis programme has reached more than 50, 000 children and 800 plus teachers from more than 100 schools nationwide since its inception in 2009.
For tennis, the funds will not only be used for the program component but also for used to facilitate training for interested youth who can teach the young talents to enhance their skills and develop themselves in a sport they love.
The funding includes costs for balls and rackets, while BSP provides t-shirts for participants. BSP branch staff nationwide are also on hand to assist with the roll-out of the programme and assist where required.
Tennis PNG Coach and Head coach of the BSP Regional Tennis Program Kwalum Apisah received the support and said PNGTA are grateful of the continuous support and partnership from BSP.
"BSP's support has helped us take tennis throughout Papua New Guinea and we thank BSP for the support and commitment. We appreciate not only the funding but the support the bank gives as an organisation in our programmes," he said.
The BSP Regional Tennis programme has started clinics in NCD in Term 1 of the academic year and will be extended to Central Province. In Central, the programme is targeting the Kairuku - Hiri area. In the Highlands region, Pogera, in Enga Province and Kainantu in the Eastern Highlands will also have a visit from the PNG Tennis team.
Caption: BSP Group CEO Ian B Clyne (right) with aspiring tennis players, who are part of the BSP Regional Tennis Programme, and coaching staff from PNG tennis, during the presentation of the sponsorship today.
