Fat Boys Set to Roll Once More

This article appeared in the July 2006 edition of Rugby Talk, the official magazine of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union. It is reproduced with permission.

Fun and fundraising will once again be the themes when the Pot Bellied Pigs stage the "Third Inaugural, International, Invitational Fat Boys Tens III" at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, the Philippines, on August 26.

As in previous years, money raised will go towards the Bahay Bata Center for Street Children in Angeles City and the Philippines Rugby Union Development Fund.

"The Center for Street Children was opened by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2001 but it requires constant funding to keep it afloat," says Pigs club secretary Mike Hampton.

"We need to keep reminding ourselves that children are our future and that it is vitally important to help these underprivileged and neglected youngsters who cry out for a little help."

The Philippines Rugby Union, meanwhile, uses its share of the proceeds to spread rugby among the Filipino community – an initiative that has produced excellent results in recent years.

Last year's Fat Boys Tens – featuring teams from the Philippines and overseas – raised HK$150,000 for the twin causes.

Pigs chairman Alun Grassick and corporate liason officer Anson Bailey paid a special visit to the Bahay Bata Center in December to present a cheque. Says Bailey: "We were treated to a special dance and singing performance by the children and, more importantly, we saw so many happy, smiling little faces."

Almost all team places are taken for this year's Fat Boys Tens – sponsored by the law firm Tanner De Witt and Clariant (China) Ltd – so Bailey's advice is: "Act now!" In addition, he is happy to accept individual or company donations.

Anson Bailey and Alun Grassick during their visit to the Bahay Bata Center