Niukick programme notes impressive turnout

AFL Papua New Guinea completed its Niukick weekend programmes in Lae, Kimbe and Mt Hagen with the governing body noting an impressive turnout this year despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
AFLPNG Southern development manager David Topeni told The National that the programme was introduced outside of its schools initiative with an increased participation from Port Moresby this year.
“It was a bit tough for us this year due to the Covid-19 restrictions, but through our protocols and guidelines, we made sure that we had something for the children to enjoy on the weekends, and I’m happy we were able to do that,” he said.
“This year, our programme got more involved with the senior competition on the weekends and it brought some new colour to the competition.
“The programme’s inclusion on the weekends was used as a curtain raiser for the Port Moresby AFL competition this season.
“We finished our programme for the year in Port Moresby and we’ve done the same for Kimbe, Lae and Hagen.
“We managed to meet some of our goals for the year through the programme and we’re really happy with the turnout from all the centres.
“This is an achievement for all of us.
“We put in a lot of effort despite the time factor which prevented us from hosting our usual schools competition. The programme came in as support so we are happy that we didn’t stay quiet this year.”
He said the programme was running alongside the academic calendar and would conclude when schools closed for the year.