TEAMING UP AGAIN : Lakapi Samoa and Vodafone Samoa CEOs ( in the middle) surrounded by staff at the official sponsorship renewal confirmation for rugby in Samoa.
By Staff Writer
Lakapi Samoa CEO Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i is all smiles again after major sponsor Vodafone Samoa about turned on an earlier decision to drop rugby.
Faleomavaega stood smiling, shoulder to shoulder with his Vodafone Samoa counterpart, Mr. Rana Bose, after the formalities of the sponsorship renewal towards the end of the week.
No sponsorship amount or what was involved were revealed but the Vodafone Samoa CEO was forthcoming in explaining the change of heart.
Strategic considerations, financial assessments, community support and the promotion of growth were listed as the key factors in the decision making process for sponsorship..
“Our recent decision to temporarily withdraw from sponsoring rugby was not taken lightly but was rooted in a comprehensive review of our sponsorship portfolio and market dynamics at the time,” CEO Rana Bose tried to explain the early sponsorship pull out by Vodafone Samoa.
“However, we engaged in constructive dialogue with stakeholders, including the rugby community, fans, and internal teams.
“This period allowed us to reassess our priorities, evaluate feedback, and understand the broader impact of our sponsorship on the development of Rugby and its participants at a challenging time for the sport.”, said the Vodafone Samoa boss.
“What emerged from these discussions was a reaffirmation of our commitment to rugby and its values.
“Rugby, with its rich heritage of camaraderie, resilience, and inclusivity, aligns closely with our own corporate ethos. We recognize its power to unite communities, inspire the nation, and promote talents.
“We look forward to deepening our partnerships, exploring new avenues for collaboration, and championing the sport’s evolution together.”
CEO Faleomavaega in returned assured the Lakapi Samoa sponsor of working closely moving forward.
“Lakapi Samoa is excited to re-sign with Vodafone and we are looking forward to the strengthening of this partnership and the benefit it has to the growth of Rugby in Samoa for the future.”