Volunteers acknowledged

GREETINGS to all our rugby league family and welcome to our 27th edition of “Fulltime Reserve” column for this year, in our favourite rugby league newspaper, The National.
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League has suspended and deferred its end-of-year programmes until a later date due to the new directives issued by the National Pandemic Controller to restrict social gatherings and sporting events to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
We appeal to all our affiliated member associations and our greater rugby league family across PNG to adhere to the decision and the public health safety guidelines.
Whilst sending this appeal, we take this time to acknowledge our army of passionate and selfless rugby league volunteers across all levels of the game in the country for their ongoing commitment and support to develop and promote the game over the years.
Rugby League has grown to become the national sport and passion in PNG, because of the tireless work of our volunteers and their generous ‘labour of love’ over the years built the foundations for the game’s growth and they will continue to be the true pillars on which our sport’s future prosperity is anchored.
Our passionate volunteers serve as league administrators or club officials across PNG undertaking tasks which includes our managers, selectors, referees, coaches, trainers, medical officials and all other support staff’ from the cone and water boy to the mother or sister who prepares refreshments or washes the team laundry.
They give selflessly of their personal time and resources to support and promote the sport because they believe in the power of rugby league to provide better opportunities and have positive socio-economic impacts on the lives of our people and our communities.
Many of our volunteers serve under extremely difficult conditions and overcoming all manner of challenges in their endeavour to promote the game; from a lack of proper facilities and resources to overcoming cultural biases and verbal and physical abuse. Our volunteers resolve and commitment to the game and its values has been unwavering and inspirational and we are all extremely proud of their patronage.
Many of our volunteers are unknown to the casual rugby league follower, as they quietly go about their work in the background without the fame and accolades that is often given to the players and the elite programmes.
Our selfless and humble volunteers do not envy nor seek these accolades and would shy away even if asked, as many of them undertake these tasks out of ‘their love for the game’; expecting no personal reward; except the joy of being a part of a young person’s life-changing experience – and occasionally the rare privilege of seeing one of them rise up the ranks successfully to achieve their dream of playing rugby league at the elite level or in their work and live their dream.
On behalf of the rugby league family in PNG, we say thank you to all our selfless volunteers.
Until next week, may the grace, love and care of our Good Lord be with you.

Cheers,
Sandis