Air Pacific Partners Ben Kende Foundation to Provide Medical Supplies to FORU

Air Pacific has partnered the Ben Kende Foundation and the Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions (FORU) - which includes Fiji, Samoa and Tonga - to carry essential sport medical supplies, including three spinal boards, from Hong Kong to Fiji.

The Ben Kende Foundation was established to support Mr. Kende, a rising rugby star who suffered a spinal injury while representing Hong Kong in the Under 18's Championship in Bangkok in 2010.

Mr. Kende is now a quadriplegic, studying for a Bachelor of Commerce at Sydney University, and working hard at his physiotherapy trying his best to regain some of what he has lost.

The Foundation has brought together a movement of teachers, doctors, friends and the rugby community who are trying to make Hong Kong a better place for the disabled by challenging mobility issues, raising money to help with medical equipment for other rugby communities in Asia and Oceania, supporting clinical stem cell trial, and of course raising funds to support Mr. Kende's rehabilitation and equipment.

More than HK$100,000 was raised at the annual Ben Kende Fund Raising Ball in November 2012 specifically to purchase spinal boards for the Fijian, Tongan and Samoan Rugby Unions where this equipment is desperately needed. First aid medical resources for injured rugby players in the countries faces resource constraints.

“We feel honoured to be a part of this generous donation to our rugby-loving islands,” said Dave Pflieger, Air Pacific’s Managing Director and CEO. “Hong Kong and rugby have a special place in all Fijian’s hearts - this donation will only serve to strengthen those feelings. On behalf of the Federation of Oceania Rugby Union, I would like to thank The Ben Kende Foundation and the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union for making this possible.”

Fijian rugby legend Waisale Serevi expressed his thanks to the Foundation for their generous support, and thanks to Air Pacific (soon to be Fiji Airways) for transporting the spinal boards along with other medical equipment generously donated by Event Medical Services. These essential medical supplies will soon be out on the playing fields.

Dr. David Owens and Lucy Clarke of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) have pledged to further build on this initiative and assist with future pitch side medical training courses in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. They will also look to expand the programme to other countries within the Asian region in the years to come.

“The co-operation of dedicated volunteers, a generous community, the inspirational story of Ben Kende and the support of the HKRFU and Air Pacific demonstrate the best values of the sport of rugby: what real teamwork can achieve,” Owens and Clarke said.

See Pictures and Coverage from Hong Kong Sevens 2013

As there are so many Pictures of the Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2013 we have cut them up into different pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10, Page 11, Page 12, Page 13, Page 14, Page 15, Page 16, Page 17 and Page 18. You may also want to check out the pictures from previous years: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

See past stories about the Hong Kong Sevens 2013: Pictures from Hong Kong Sevens 2013, Results from Hong Kong Sevens 2013, Sevens Legend Waisale Serevi Inducted into IRB Hall of Fame, Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2013 Ready for Kick Off!, What Impact Does Hong Kong Sevens Have on Long-Haul Travel?, South Stand Fashion - What to Wear at the Hong Kong Sevens, HKRFU Launches Rugby App; Chance to Win Tickets to HK Sevens, Hong Kong RFU to Launch a School of Rugby in Hong Kong, HKRFU Partners Serevi Rugby to Provide Special Training Camps, HKRFU Names Men's and Women's Sevens Squads, US Eagles Land in HK for Sevens; Jamaica Ready for Debut, Air Pacific Partners Ben Kende Foundation to Provide Medical Supplies to FORU, Rugby Sevens Teams from South Africa and France Arrive in Hong Kong, Official Draw for the 2013 Hong Kong Sevens, Beach Boys to Perform at Hong Kong Sevens, Hong Kong Sevens Officially Sold Out!, 2013 Hong Kong Sevens Public Ticket Sale to be via Public Ballot, Fans in Australia Can Purchase Tickets for 2013 Hong Kong Sevens, Biggest Hong Kong Sevens Ever! and Dates for the Cathay Pacific HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2013.