PACIFIC SUPERHEROES

As some of you may or may not know, Adam Watene, my sister Moana’s partner of over 14 years died in October while working out at a gym in the UK. He was an athlete, a professional rugby league player, in the prime of his life and now he’s dead at 31. Moana is trying to be strong and I am doing my best to support her and help her in any way I can. As you can imagine, this is a difficult time for Mo and her two children Arana (10) and Ena (4).

Adam’s former clubs and friends in the UK have organized a testimonial year in his honor. The testimonial year – which officially started December 1 and will finish on November 30, 2009 – will help raise money for the Adam Watene Fund, set up to secure the future of Moana, Arana and Ena. I WILL BE COMING OVER NEXT MONTH TO SUPPORT THE JANUARY EVENTS - I hope to see some of you!

Please send this information to anyone you know that may be interested in attending any of the events or contributing to the fund. WRIST BANDS: Merchandise will be on sale over the year in memory of Adam, including £2 wristbands, available from Wakefield Wildcats’ and Castleford Tigers’ club shops and at all testimonial events. JERSEYS: The new Wildcats jerseys feature Adam’s signature and number 8 in memory of him.

A portion of the money from the sale of the jerseys will go to the fund. CHARITY MATCH: Jan 11 A charity match will be played at Wakefield Wildcats’ Belle Vue Stadium on Sunday, January 11 between members of the cast of Emmerdale (a Bristish Soap Opera) and a team made of up Wildcats’ and Tigers’ players. The first half of the match will see the teams playing soccer before competing in tag rugby for the second half.

Tickets are available at the ground on the day. CURRY NIGHT: Jan 22 Adam’s family will be guests of honour at a curry night in the Wildcats’ bar on Thursday, January 22 with tickets costing £20 each, which covers the cost of the meal plus there are auctions and raffles to come through the evening. Tickets can be reserved and paid for by sending a cheque to Sue Parker marked ‘Adam Watene Fund’ with note of how many tickets and that it is for the Curry night. These can be picked up at the door on the evening.

TRIBUTE GAME: Jan 25 Adam’s former clubs of Castleford and Wakefield will play a friendly match for the Adam Watene Memorial Cup on Sunday, January 25 at Castleford’s home ground, The Jungle, Wheldon Road, Castleford, West Yorkshire. Again, tickets can be purchased at the ground on the day or online at: http://www.castigers.com/cgi-bin/mai

They have a lot more planned throughout the year and I will let you know more as the information is finalized. If you are unable to attend the events but want to contribute, donations can be made to the fund by sending cheques payable to Adam Watene Fund c/o 16 Pinders Grove, Wakefield WF1 4AH or by donation direct to the Adam Watene Fund ,Yorkshire Bank Account Number 27197146 sort code 05-09-62. Please send this info to anyone you think may be interested - whether they’re in the UK, into League or just able to help.

Mahalo Nui Loa, L.