Sports skills development for Kokopo

A skills development program was run in Kokopo by the Papua New Guinea Sport Foundation sport operations & development division.

The Youth Sport Program was featured in both Rabaul and Kokopo townships from 23-26 September.

A total of 12 local Instructors and four national program coordinators from PNGSF headquarters were engaged to take leading roles in teaching students basic skills in four sports which are common in the New Guinea Islands region: soccer, hockey, volleyball and touch.

The four days of skills development targeted three schools namely; Saint Martin - Rabaul District, Vuvu Secondary High School - Kokopo District and Kalamanagunan Primary School - Kokopo District.

The teachers were on hand to support the students and coaches in each sporting code. The students, from ages 15 to 20, are currently doing grades 7-10.

National Youth Sport Coordinator John D’siguria said 350 students were involved over the three days.

“We are not restricted to school students only but to consider some youths out of school living in the vicinity of the schools,” he said.  

“Pleasing to see lots of youths coming forward to learn the basic skills in soccer, volleyball, touch football and hockey games.

“Students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and certainly had fun.

“I am excited to extend this course to other parts of the country once funds are available.

“Big vote of thank you to ENB administration, school boards of management and parents for their support and Nestle PNG for sponsoring Milo drinks over the three days.”

Other PNGSF support staff were on hand to provide mentoring roles to the local coaches and engage in partnership pathways to sustain such programs.

Author: 
Press release