Americans in New Zealand are gearing up for the Wellington 7s with a fundraising dinner featuring the USA national team.
The Eagles will meet US expatriates and other guests for a three-course meal and auction on the capital's waterfront on Wednesday, January 30.
'Americans here have a real appreciation for international 7s. There’s a group of committed athletes from the US who make a lot of sacrifices to represent their country... we want to support their efforts and add an American touch to the tournament when it takes over Wellington,' said co-organiser Sean Roy, a former St. Louis Druids and Olympic Club player now living in New Zealand.
Traveling Eagles 15s and particularly 7s teams have often been feted by expatriates, particularly in Hong Kong. The Wellington event will look to extend that tradition by enabling Stateside supporters to sponsor dinner for a USA player at www.foureaglesevens.com/donate.html.
The evening’s auction also includes the chance to join the US team on the sidelines during one of their Wellington games, or to win an exclusive visit to an All Blacks training session next season.
The 4eagle7s Foundation aims to establish the dinner as a highlight of 7s week in Wellington, as well as to encourage American communities in cities such as Dubai and Hong Kong to host similar events in support of the Eagles 7s team.
Separately, the US has added the Australian 7s in Adelaide to its calendar, making the early April event the sixth Sevens World Series tournament it will attend over the 2007-8 season.
hmmm. a network of benevolent expatriate groups feting & raising public interest in visiting Eagles sides. sounds like a great idea
Posted by: Old Boy | 12 January 2008 at 15:12