Rugby hosts inclusivity events in East Sepik

PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Union hosted a training and education course as well as a two-day deaf rugby sevens tournament in Wewak earlier this month which was in line with the International Day of Persons with Disability.
Union inclusion impact programme national coordinator Vaianna Gabba said the initiative was staged in partnership with East Sepik Rugby Union with support from the provincial government.
“The tournament came alive as individuals realised the potential of the hearing-impaired community in rugby union,” Gabba told The National.
“Our aim for including hearing-impaired persons in the competition was to make them feel part of sports like all able-bodied people.
“The union believes that through this inclusion, it is now a curtain-raiser to hearing-impaired tournaments.
“We also appeal for support from every individual without stigma and discrimination towards the hearing-impaired community.
“Let’s appreciate and accept people living with disability, so that they are included and impacted without any feeling of negligence.
“Inclusion and diversity are a big part of our lives and our interpersonal skills are crucial.”
Prior to the tournament, the hearing-impaired players participated in a two-day training and education course conducted by union development manager Sailosi Druma.
The training was followed by outdoor rugby skills and coaching activities ran by deaf rugby development officer Sebastian Egen and online training and examination by Gabba at the Catholic Mission.
Participants were awarded certificates, paving a way for them to coach sevens rugby union for the hearing-impaired community.