Rugby star goes back to school with Printerland

Cheshire-based VAR and vendor Oki team up to promote sports and printing in education

Reseller Printerland brought smiles to year six faces in Hale Barns recently with a lesson from rugby star Luke McAlister, marking the launch of its printing programme for schools.

James Kight, director at Printerland, said its Oki Tools for Schools launch was marked by treating year six at Elmridge Primary School to coaching from the Sale Sharks and New Zealand All Blacks star.

“McAlister is the rugby equivalent of Ronaldo,” he said. “Education is our main arena, and we want to put something back into the community.”

The 26 November launch is only one event. Printerland and Oki are working together to develop other programmes ­ such as meet-and-greet sessions ­ that promote rugby by teaming up with Sale Sharks, the team it also sponsors.

“It is fantastic,” said Kight. “Launching Oki Tools for Schools with one of rugby’s best players is great for us and any aspiring player.”

Oki and Printerland also ran a competition where children could win printing equipment for their school or a photography trip to South Africa for the 2009 British Lions tour.

Ewa Johnson, marketing director at Oki, said: “Sporting activities are important in children’s lives and help build a better community.”