AFL adds value to Nuikick programme

 “FOOTY is more than just a game in 2014 for AFL PNG. We will not only be developing the sport and maintaining high standards throughout this year but also encouraging individual development.”
Those are the words from AFL PNG’s Community and Corporate Relations manager, Nancy Gah, as AFL PNG sets out to promote positive living among players and participants of the Niukick and other development programmes.
Over the past five years AFL PNG has been implementing an advocacy initiative that encourages young athletes to live healthy and for players to be good citizens in their communities.
“That advocacy initiative will continue but with a new approach this year. We have invited experienced facilitators to join with us this year in Niukick to deliver life-changing information on HIV/AIDS, financial savings, nutrition, children’s rights and privileges, cancer, dental care, alcohol/drug abuse and people living with disabilities.
“While it is great to see young kids playing footy and taking part in a range of sporting activities, but it’s no good when they return to their communities and cause trouble.
“We feel that it is our duty to help these young players be better people in the community. These children are our future leaders, therefore, everyone has an important role to help mould them in a positive way,” Gah said.
Partners who have confirmed their support for AFL PNG’s Niukick programme include the PNG Assembly of Disabled Persons (PNGADP), the Burnet Medical Research Institute, Colgate-Palmolive, Nationwide, Microbank, Anglicare PNG, Marie Stopes PNG, the Cancer Foundation PNG, the National Narcotics Bureau and the NCDC Youth Desk and NCDC Gender unit.
“These partners play a very important role in helping us deliver important information to children. We hope to reach 10,000 children this year in NCD alone.
“Plans are also underway to carry out the same advocacy initiative down to the club level. AFL PNG has 16 boys currently on scholarship and teams that travel overseas representing PNG. They will be part of this initiative because we feel that developing a players’ personal well being is equally important.”