Rugby programme set

NATIONAL energy company NiuPower Limited has launched the World Rugby ‘Get into Rugby’ (GIR) programme for schools in the five Papua New Guinea LNG impact villages in Hiri West, Central.
The eight-week programme was launched at Porebada Primary School on Wednesday.
It will be launched in schools in Boera, Papa, Lealea and Kido villages next week.
NiuPower manager, external affairs, Wellington Bellawa launched the programme and presented tag rugby kits to Porebada Primary School.
He said GRI was part of NiuPower’s community investment programme, which is aimed at partnering the villages to deliver projects on education, vegetable farming, women’s skills training, sports, churches, clean water and sanitation, and Health.
Bellawa said: “This year, we are partnering PNG Rugby Union (PNGRU) to introduce these rugby skills to schools in the five communities.”
NiuPower chief executive Michael Uiari said: “NiuPower is delighted to support the programme for the schools in the project impact area.
“Apart from the skills we will impart through GIR, we hope to promote our core values of integrity, respect, solidarity, passion and discipline.”
PNGRU programme manager Sailosi Druma said they were excited to bring GIR to schools in Hiri-West.
“With NiuPower’s participation, we hope to complete the programme in the next two months,” he said.
“The first eight weeks will see the ‘try’ stage of the programme where the participants will learn the different aspects of the game.
“At the end of the eight weeks, we will stage a festival for all the schools where they will demonstrate the skills acquired.
“It is a holistic approach with skills sessions and emphasis on the five values of rugby – discipline, respect, integrity, passion and solidarity.”
Druma said the biggest outcome for PNGRU was mass participation and growing the game in Hiri-West.