School sports launched

FIVE hundred schools nationwide will receive sports packs as part of major sports initiative launched by Bank South Pacific in Port Moresby last week.
The sports initiative encourages children to lead active and healthy lifestyles. 
The school sports pack consisted of balls and items for volleyball, soccer, rugby, Aussie rules football, netball, basketball, tennis and cricket.
The programme will be staged in rounds, with round one ending on June 30.
The participating schools can nominate themselves or a member of public can nominate a school in their community.
To be eligible, the school must be currently initiating or planning to initiate a “Go Green” activity such as holding a clean-up, planting a garden, conducting a recycling programme or any activity that promotes a clean, healthy and green environment.
BSP deputy chief executive officer and chief financial officer Johnson Kalo launched the new initiative at the Coronation Primary School in Port Moresby, with world class athlete and PNG swim sensation Ryan Pini in attendance as guest of honour.
“It’s part of BSP’s philosophy to encourage children to never stop playing, developing children’s sports skills and providing opportunities for children to learn, love and play sports,” Kalo said when kicking off the programme.
“We focus on our children and young people and encourage participation because they are the future of our nation and deserve support and encouragement.
“As a partner in the lives of so many right across Papua New Guinea and throughout the South Pacific, we have a real understanding that what we do every day makes a difference.   
“We are committed to making a positive difference every day,” Kalo added.
The knowledge, skills and experiences gained from this programme and other BSP sporting programmes are lessons that children can learn to apply to other non-sporting parts of their lives.
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Pini echoed  Kalo’s sentiments, adding that sport helped children in their all-round development.
He said children who participate in sports could learn social skills such as teamwork,  responsibility and how everyone needs to do their part for the team to be successful.