Grey Lynn Adopts Samoa as Second Team for Rugby World Cup
The Auckland suburb of Grey Lynn will be putting on its loudest shirts and shouting for Samoa during the Rugby World Cup, thanks to the Adopt-a-second-team programme.
Thirty-four local communities will take part in Auckland’s RWC 2011 Adopt-a-second-team programme, led by Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Mainstreets. The programme enables local communities to demonstrate support for one of the 19 international teams involved in the Tournament. The Grey Lynn Business Association (GLBA) is the driving force behind Grey Lynn, West Lynn and Westmere’s involvement and is working with other community groups to make supporting the Samoan team a success.
Grey Lynn Business Association RWC Subcommittee Member, Soala Wilson says: “We are very excited to have been given Samoa as a second team because it is such a fitting selection. Grey Lynn has a long association with the Samoan community and this link remains very strong today.”
As well as decorating the main shopping areas in Samoan colours, the GLBA has a number of projects underway to involve local businesses, the local community and visitors in the festivities with the aim of creating an authentic community experience for everyone. This reflects the Auckland RWC’s promise to bring 100% Pure hospitality to visiting Rugby fans.
One of the highlights of the events planned are the historical walks, which will be led by Samoan Grey Lynner Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua.
“We are thrilled to have Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua as the guide for these walks, which will highlight the diverse history of the area. The Reverend grew up in Grey Lynn and is a well-known figure in our community both as a minister and as an artist, poet and social activist.” says Wilson.
In the spirit of Samoan community, the GLBA is also working with other community groups to bring more festivities to the area in support of Samoa. Details of these will be released shortly.
For more information, please contact Soala Wilson on 027 437 2698, or Sunshine Yates on 021 268 2957.
Samoan Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi flanked by Grey Lynn Business Association members Jane Jackson and Tanya Thompson at the official launch of the Manu Samoa Supporters Club. 18 June 2011. Photo by Evotia Tamua.
