Funds raised for family of tragic Vikings player
MORE than £15,000 has been raised for the family of a rugby league player who tragically passed away before he was able to make his Widnes Vikings debut.
Kato Ottio died aged 23 in January after developing a sudden health issue while training.
The Papua New Guinea international had been due to fly to the UK after being signed by the Vikings from Canberra Raiders in December.
He passed away at the Pacific International Hospital (PIH) in Port Moresby on January 9.
In response, the Vikings established a crowdfunding appeal following the 23-year-old’s death for his family in Papua New Guinea.
And when the online appeal closed on Tuesday, February 13, a total of £11,435 had been generated – more than double the initial £5,000 target which had originally been set.
In addition to this, £4,296.71 was also raised through bucket collections at the Vikings preseason game against Whitehaven in January.
Before the Whitehaven game, Vikings chief executive James Rule said: “Words do not really express the shock and sadness I experienced upon receiving the news that Kato had passed away.
“In all of the sadness, there is one shining positive, and that is the truly humbling response of all ● of our supporters, stakeholders, and indeed the wider community of rugby league.
“Our actions, comments and generosity via the crowdfunder page have showcased all that is good about our organisation, and makes me exceptionally proud to be the CEO of this club.
“I’d like to thank everybody for conducting themselves with such class and dignity.”
A tribute to Kato is being worn on the Vikings home and away jerseys throughout the entire 2018 season.
A special ‘Kato 18’ transfer has been created and is being worn at the heart of the player’s shirts with a distinctive yellow and red design.