Australia’s Team Up partners marked Safe Sports Day 2026 in Port Moresby by bringing together volunteer coaches, referees and young leaders to promote safe, inclusive and respectful sporting environments for children and young people.
Held at Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre on 7 August, the event highlighted the importance of safeguarding in sport and helped children and young people recognise safe and unsafe behaviour, speak up and seek support from trusted adults.
Team Up partners, including Inclusive GymBad, PNG Football Association’s Just Play, PNG Hockey’s Hookin4Health, One Netball, AFL PNG’s Pilai Long Senis and League Bilong Laif, delivered interactive sports-based activities focused on respect, inclusion, teamwork and kindness.
This year’s Safe Sports Day theme, Stand up. Speak out. Play your part., called on everyone involved in sport to help create safer environments for children and young people.
Pilai Long Senis Program Coordinator, Ms Jill Ravusiro, highlighted the importance of safeguarding in all sporting activities.
“The impact of sport is measured not only by the skills we teach, but by the lives we protect. Every clinic, conversation and child we encourage is an opportunity to create a safer future,” Ms Ravusiro said.
“Through Pilai Long Senis, safeguarding is part of everything we do, ensuring every child is protected, respected, included and empowered to thrive on and off the field.”
At the close of Safe Sports Day, participants and Team Up partners made safeguarding pledges and committed to strengthening collaboration so every child can be safe, valued and supported through sport.
As part of broader Team Up safeguarding efforts, the Kicks for Kokoda program also delivered safeguarding and child protection training with its implementing partner, the PNG Olympic Committee.
The training covered child safeguarding principles, how to identify signs of child harm, safe coaching practices and reporting procedures.
Kicks for Kokoda Program Coordinator Mr Basil Jofari said upskilling PNG Olympic Committee HERO athletes helped ensure those working with young people understood their responsibilities.
“Everyone involved in Kicks for Kokoda has a role to play in helping young people learn, play and grow in safe and inclusive environments,” Mr Jofari said.
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Pilai Long Senis participants.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100