Samoa and Tonga Rugby Sevens Teams Raise Awareness of Shark Conservation

The national rugby sevens teams of Samoa and Tonga joined forces with the Hong Kong Shark Foundation (HKSF), the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) and the Tuen Mun Sharks mini rugby club to raise awareness of shark conservation during the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2017.

Sharks play an important role in the cultural heritage of the people of the Pacific islands and the region is a world leader in shark conservation efforts, establishing large shark sanctuaries throughout the area’s waters.

In light of the importance of the shark in Pacific heritage and the tradition of respect and value for the environment in Pacific Island culture, the Samoa and Tonga teams agreed to hold a joint training session on Sunday, 2 April, for local media and members of Hong Kong’s own Tuen Mun Sharks Mini Rugby Club, to raise awareness of the plight of sharks.

“We were delighted to take part in today’s activity along with our friends from Tonga. Samoa and the other Pacific Island nations have a deep respect for the environment and while we are opponents on the rugby pitch, we are proud to team up today to help spread this important message with the next generation,” said Samoa coach, Sir Gordon Tietjens.

Following the open training session, the teams and coaches put the young Tuen Mun Sharks through their paces in a rugby drills session, prior to which Chow Yuen-ping, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Shark Foundation addressed the children on the issue of shark conservation.

Over 100 million sharks are killed each year, putting one-third of the world’s oceanic shark species at risk of extinction. With 5.5 million kilogrammes of shark fin traded through the city in 2015, Hong Kong has an important role to play in shark conservation.

“The Sevens is known as one of the city’s top sports events and has also played an important role in Pacific Island rugby, so it was a natural opportunity for us to try and raise awareness around the tournament. With the great support of the Samoan and Tongan teams, the Hong Kong Rugby Union and the Tuen Mun Sharks, we are carrying our message on the importance of shark conservation to new audiences. With so much attention around the international teams taking part in the tournament, this is a great opportunity for us to share understanding of this vital ecological cause among the people of Hong Kong and the thousands of international visitors attending the Sevens,” Yuen Ping Chow said.

Yuen also recognized the efforts of the Executive Council and Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, which helped HKSF line up with HKRU and the Samoa and Tonga teams participating in today’s activity.

The Foundation helps to raise awareness of the issue around the city with high visibility engagements at other major sporting events like the annual Hong Kong Marathon where Foundation supporters are well known for running in shark outfits.

Samoa and Tonga are two of the four Pacific Island nations participating in this year’s Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, with Samoa in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series competition and Tonga taking part in the World Rugby Sevens Series Qualifier.

The HKRU is adding further support on-event by providing space on the Diamond Vision screen message board during the tournament for a special message from the HKSF.

The messages will play each time Samoa and Tonga take the pitch during the pool stages in their respective competitions on Friday and Saturday.

In addition, representatives of the HKSF will be invited to brief the 80 Student Ambassadors who will manage the HKRU’s student hosting programme on Friday night of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.

The Ambassadors will in turn help deliver the message and distribute information on shark conservation to the over 8,000 students attending opening night, helping to amplify the message.

“We were excited to be approached by the Hong Kong Shark Foundation and to find the teams from Samoa and Tonga so keen to support the initiative. With everyone’s great help we can raise the awareness of this important local issue. This initiative is also helping us further one of our most important objectives for the Sevens – to ensure the event has a positive impact on our community, and we were delighted to support the activity, as were the Tuen Mun Sharks,” McRobbie added.

Other pages about the 2017 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens: Pictures from Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2017, Fiji Beat South Africa to Win 2017 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, HK Teams Announced for Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Samoa and Tonga Rugby Sevens Teams Raise Awareness of Shark Conservation, Tackling Barriers Through Sport: HKRU Expands Partnership with Laureus, Official Draw for Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2017, Paul John to Head HKSI's Sevens Programme, Bars and Restaurants on Hong Kong Island Offer Special HK7s Discounts, Cigna Becomes an Official Sponsor of Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, Lee Gardens in Causeway Bay to be Part of World's Best Sevens Party, Marriott Offers Exclusive Experiences During HKSevens Rugby Week 2017, Hong Kong to Compete in Borneo Sevens 2017, Hong Kong Sevens - Interview with Luc Bollen, GM of The Park Lane Hong Kong (2016). See also: Pictures of the Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Rugby pictures: Pictures from 2019 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2018 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2017 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures from 2016 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Pictures of Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2015, Pictures of the Asia Rugby Sevens Olympic Games Qualifier in Hong Kong, Pictures of Singha Thailand Sevens 2015, Pictures from the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour in Hong Kong, Pictures of Hong Kong Sevens 2014, Pictures of Hong Kong Sevens 2013, Pictures of Chartis Cup 2012 and Pictures of Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2012.

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