MEDIA RELEASE
27 September 2007
For immediate release
School celebrates successful Aussie Rules training program
Parents and school children have celebrated the completion of an Australian Rules Football training scheme which was designed to teach youngsters more about the game and encourage them to keep fit and healthy.
The Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, joined the parents and students at Ela Murray International School in Port Moresby last Saturday to mark the end of the eight-week program.
Mr Moraitis – himself a big fan of Aussie Rules – presented trophies to the students who had been taking part in the training scheme which was inspired by the Auskick program in Australia - a national football coaching initiative for children run by volunteers.
Auskick co-ordinator Randolph Albrecht said the program started three years ago when one of the parents organised some Aussie Rules sessions at the school.
Mr Albrecht said: “In those days we were happy to get ten kids running around. This year, with the assistance of parents Peter McElvogue and Mike O’Connell and AFLPNG, we often had between 40 and 50 boys and girls at the training sessions.
“During the game last Saturday, the kids outpaced and outplayed the parents. Some great skills were on display and plenty of promise shown. The kids were also very impressed when the Australian High Commissioner ran onto the field to play with them.”
Mr Moraitis said: “It is good to see that Aussie Rules is becoming increasingly popular in PNG. A shared passion for the game is another link between our two countries – something that will further strengthen the already strong relationship between Australia and PNG.”
Mr Moraitis added: “Playing at the school brought back fond memories of my youth in Victoria when I spent hours playing Aussie Rules with my mates. It’s a great game.”
The Australian Government has been supporting the growth of Aussie Rules in PNG. Earlier this year, the Australian High Commissioner presented hundreds of Aussie Rules footballs to AFLPNG officials under the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) – a scheme which offers grants to sports organisations in the Pacific.
Mr Albrecht thanked NCS and Nambawan Trophies for sponsoring the presentation day. Other schools or groups interested in running an Auskick program should contact AFLPNG Operations Manager, Peter Cates, on 325 4943.
Media Inquiries: Randolph Albrecht, training program organiser, mobile: 689 6170.