Niukick comp kicks off

By LARRY ANDREW
AUSTRALIAN Football League Papua New Guinea (AFLPNG) launched its Em Nau Niukick schools competition with a gala day at the Eriku Niall Reserve Oval in Lae on Saturday.
AFLPNG Northern administration and development officer Josephine Ila told The National that the event was launched with the support of major sponsor Paradise Foods Limited.
She said they kicked off the event with coronavirus awareness, including a demonstration by Angau Memorial General Hospital staff on how to wash hands and wear face masks.
Ila said children between three and 15 years old were introduced to AFL skills and drills with prizes given to participants who wore the most colourful socks on the day.
She said Under-18 men’s and women’s teams also played exhibition matches.
“The day ended on a high note with children looking forward to round one of the competition on Saturday (July 31),” Ila said.
“The competition will be run for the next eight weeks at the Eriku Oval.
“A special thanks to Paradise Foods for its continued support of the EmNau Niukick programme.”
She also thanked the parents, volunteers, Angau Memorial General Hospital and Laga Industries staff for joining the children at the event.
AFLPNG development officer Vanessa Pisep said with return-to-play protocols in place, children must follow the country’s Niupela Pasin measures to keep safe from the virus.