Sir Michael Jones to be special guest speaker at Viti Spinal Injuries Association of Fiji Old Skool Ball

New Zealand All Blacks legend Sir Michael Jones will be the special guest speaker at the Viti Spinal Injuries Association of Fiji Old Skool Ball that will be held on the 20th of next month at the Grand Pacific Hotel.

The annual Viti Spinal Injuries Association of Fiji Old Skool Ball has become a prime charity event of the year to raise awareness and funds for people living with spinal injuries.

Famously known as the 'Ice Man' on the rugby pitch, Sir Jones helped New Zealand win the 1987 World Cup and many epic matches thereafter. He is regarded as one of the top three All Blacks of the 20th century alongside Sean Fitzpatrick and Colin Meads and hailed by former All Blacks coach John Hart as "almost the perfect rugby player".

Jones says he has heard of the work the Viti Spinal Injuries Association of Fiji is doing in Fiji and he knows that many people living with spinal injuries have a very tough life and need a level of personal courage much greater than most of people could ever understand.

Since retiring from rugby, Jones has been heavily involved in community and social work and is a role model and inspiration throughout the Pacific.

Viti Spinal Injuries Association of Fiji President Paul McGoon says the organisation is fortunate to secure Sir Jones' support and hopes corporate bodies and entities in Fiji will do likewise for this very important event.

He says all profits from ticket sales and all proceeds from auctions will go to the work of the Viti Spinal Injuries Association, which will be used among other things, to facilitate services and improve the homes for people living with spinal injuries in Fiji.

McGoon says there will also be auction prizes including travel, accommodation, dining, and sports memora-bilia including an All Blacks jersey signed and donated by Richie McCaw and other memorabilia from Eric Rush and other sporting legends.