I’m grateful to Tigers for support, says Maima

By LARRY ANDREW
JUGGLING education with sports is not an easy task – just ask Cedric Maima, who graduated with a diploma in business management from the National Polytechnic Institute of Papua New Guinea earlier this month.
The 21-year-old is from Omkola village in Gumine, Chimbu, and is the fourth child in a family of five siblings (four brothers and a sister).
Maima joined Digicel Cup heavyweights Lae Tigers while he was doing Grade 12 at Lae Secondary School in 2018.
But with the Grade 12 national examination looming, he had to concentrate on his education first.
“I know many people choose rugby league, but it needs to be balanced with education, as stressed by my coach and mentor at the Tigers,” Maima said.
“It’s not only me; others have also come through the same path.
“Sports and education go together.
“I had sleepless nights. Despite attending energy-sapping training sessions, I still needed to study because I prioritised my education.
“At the end of the day, when we stop playing rugby league, that’s when education comes in to sustain you afterwards.
“It’s important to remember that there is always life after rugby league.
“I don’t know about other clubs but for Lae Tigers, we’re a disciplined club.
“The club supported me through my education. In my four years with the club, they have taken care of my school fees and have also assisted my parents.
“My parents are really proud for the support Lae Biscuit Company has given me.
“Their prayer is that God will bless the company to prosper in everything they do.”
Maima said there were no shortcuts in life and only those who worked hard would be rewarded.
He said it was not impossible to play sports and excel in education at the same time.
“Many people will argue that playing sports is not good when you’re attending school,” Maima said.
“But rugby league has helped me in my education. It allowed my parents to take care of my siblings’ needs and education.
“Sports and education are good. It depends on how you make choices to pursue your dreams and goals in life.”
Maima said he was grateful to Lae Biscuit Company and the Tigers management for assisting with school fees and fortnightly allowances, among others.
“I can remember that since coming from secondary school into the Tigers camp, my parents have not even spent a Kina on me in the last four years,” he said.
“I had to cover my own expenses with the support of Lae Biscuit Company towards my tuition fees.
“After graduating today (Friday, July 9), I’m really grateful to Lae Biscuit Company and the Tigers for their undivided support.
“I can play but gaining work experience is also important as it is the same as playing sports – you have to have experience to be competitive.
“After studying business management, I’ve seen that there are a lot of opportunities in the field.
“I can either work or continue my studies to gain a degree and I’m working towards that.”