Lae coaching camp winds up

SUPPORTERS Club of Rugby Union in Morobe (SCRUM) through their schools rugby development programme wound up the 2009 calendar with a school rugby holiday coaching camp from Dec 22-26.
SCRUM rugby development officer and coordinator Robin Tarere hailed the programme as a success and an eye opener for those who took part.
“Apart from working on individual skills and the different areas of the game, it was a learning experience for most of the boys between seven and 16 years old, with the opportunity to be educated about social and  health issues, and the important roles they had in the community,” Tarere said.
The camp started with registrations on Dec 22,  ran through before going for a break on Christmas Day, and ended on Boxing Day.
Presentations on the various social, health and community issues were made by Chief Sgt Sodeng from the community policing department of the Lae Metropolitan, Steven Polis of the Angau Memorial Hospital on health and the cholera epidemic, and representatives of the Day Care Centre on HIV/AIDS education.
Sessions with the respective issues were held over the camp period before games and clinics.
“It was a very educational three days for the children, boys and men.
“These sessions gave each participant an understanding of the issues and their roles.
“The Salvation Army had also shown interest but could not make it.
It would have been a good opportunity for spiritual education and awareness on the role of the Salvos, it is something that will be a part of this years’ camp.” Tarere said.
He also acknowledged the contribution that representatives from the other codes had been making to the rugby camp.
They had invited rugby league, aussie rules and athletics representatives to assist in the development of specific skills.
Cornelius Baobao from rules and Henry Ben from athletics were present for the camp and helped with specific skills in basic running and kicking.
“The response was very good from the contribution of the duo. It initially gave us an insight into the poor kicking and running skills of our players.
“These can be harnessed with the assistance of these other codes,” Tarere said.
“We will be looking at establishing seminars for all codes to share and assist in the growth of one and another. At the end of the day, we are all preparing our sports personnel to represent PNG.”
Tarere thanked SCRUM and Coca-Cola Amatil for their ongoing drive with the junior programmes.
He also reminded all executives of the Morobe Rugby Football Union to prepare for the annual general meeting (AGM) next Wednesday.