PNG kids have genetic God given talent - Now let’s develop it!
In a historic move the PNG NRL Bid, in partnership with the Department of Education in PNG announce that Rugby League will again be played in schools across the nation.
Rugby League has not been part of the school curriculum since PNG gained Independence (1975), until now. The commitment of INSPAC PNG Ltd has enabled the PNG NRL Bid and the Department of Education to create a rugby league development program to strengthen the player skills base and officiating skills.
The PNG All Schools Rugby League Program will be rolled out across the nation, with a pilot program commencing during 2010. The program will initially focus on Under 16’s and Under 14’s playing in a rugby league carnival much like the NSW Rugby League Knockout Comp. This is set to expand in 2011 to a full competition season which extends provincial to international level with a PNG Representative Side playing in Australia.
Minister Philemon Embel, Minister for Sports and Chairman of the PNG NRL Bid has been actively driving this rugby league initiative which is also set to deliver other benefits to other sports. “The officiating programs which are being delivered to teachers and convenors in the All Schools Rugby League program have application to the skills required in most other sports in the first two levels of skills training. I commend my brother Minister Marape and his Board of Education for their vision and support to upskill teachers for the benefit of our youth, their schools and our communities throughout the nation. I also express my deepest appreciation to our sponsors and welcome Inspac to the PNG NRL Bid sponsorship family”
In response to this PNG NRL Bid’s initiative, Minister for Education, the Hon. James Marape said “I share the view that all sports, and in particular rugby league, has the ability to provide opportunities for our young to learn a range of useful life skills such as discipline, respect, leadership, teamwork and it also encourages Papua New Guineans to be fit and health conscious”. Minister Marape thanked the Bid for putting into place a rugby league development program in schools, and all the sponsors for their support, particularly Inspac for providing full insurance and medicare cover for all participating students and officials.
Sponsors of the Bid including Coca-Cola, Airlines PNG, Holiday Inn, Post Courier, WPIAS, DLA Phillips Fox and now INSPAC will help ensure the program is a winner.
Richard Kassman, General Manager of INSPAC PNG Ltd is pleased to be a partner of this exciting initiative, “ We are happy to play a role in ensuring the ongoing success of the PNG All Schools Program. We are joining as a sponsor to show our commitment and share in a holistic approach to character building, youth development and to contribute to good citizenship of PNG youth.”
Paul Broughton, Strategic Advisor to the Bid and Chairman of the Titans is an advocate of this development program “There are many intrinsic values that can be learnt on the playing fields of rugby league that cannot be taught in the classrooms. Team and self discipline, being part of a group with a common goal, respect for authority and learning that winning or losing is a shared responsibility because you win and lose as a team”.
Broughto is also one of the few Master Coaches in Australia and believes that all teachers, male and female should get involved saying “Coaching is really an extension of the classroom and we are here to help you seek and attain accreditation”.
This program is yet another major development in the Bid’s strategic quest to seek a licence from the NRL.
