By CHARLIE DUMAVI
ENCOURAGING young school children to participate in sport is one of the greatest deals to develop young talents in Papua New Guinea.
This was the message from two Rugby Union professionals – William Genia and his team-mate Digby Loane, who were here in Port Moresby as of last week.
Digby accompanied Genia who is the current Patron of Capital Rugby Union (CRU) to officiate the CRU 2023 grand-final game over the weekend at Santos National Football Stadium.
Prior to the CRU 2023 grand-final, they paid a visit to Philip Aravure and Port Moresby International Schools over the week.
The rugby professionals said creating an avenue for children to play the code is a great way of investing in the rugby league.
Genia who is a former Wallabies, expressed appreciation on what CRU is doing in promoting the code by getting young children involved.
“The idea is not only to come back and watch the grand-final but also be part of giving back in growing the game,” Genia said.
“CRU have done such a great job in growing the game and building it to what it is today.
“The initiative they have taken – as far as giving back to the schools and embracing the children – is a step forward.
“We got a couple of school clinics and the idea is to invest time with the children to impart our knowledge, as well as creating hype around the game.
“It important to go to the schools and create that space by which children come and enjoy the game.”
The Kangaroos winger, Digby said there’s something unique and common about Pacific Island countries that other European countries do not have.
He said Island countries are culturally bided; meaning the people can work together and that trait should be encouraged among children playing team sports.
“What you guys have, we have it as Samoans,” Digby said.
“Australians do not have that culture that we have.
“You have to start somewhere, help to support each other and hopefully we go to the next level.
“Invest more time into the school children.”
Genia and Digby also urged women and girls to take part in the sport, whether it be 7s, 9s or 15s to tap into life-changing opportunities internationally.
