In September, NPNG delivered the first of its ‘Come and Play’ programs in collaboration with Netball Australia, Special Olympics PNG and WaterAid PNG.
The program aims to create a supportive environment for young people to learn, share and develop life skills through sport.
After the success of its inaugural rollout, the ‘Come and Play’ program was extended to St Peters Channel Primary School last month to integrate netball and play-based life skills activities to support participants’ learning.
Each of the ‘Come and Play’ programs are made up of two 90-minute sessions and are a shorter version of the Hamamas lo Pilai (HLP) program.
Both programs are delivered through One Netball PNG, in partnership with Netball Australia, as part of the Australian Government’s sport for development Team Up initiative to improve physical health and social inclusion through netball.
HLP seeks to engage adolescent girls and boys between the ages of 10 and 16 on topics related to self-confidence, communication, leadership and hygiene.
Fifteen students and six athlete leaders from St Peters Channel Primary School took part in last month's program, achieving a new participation milestone.
All six athlete leaders identified with having an intellectual disability, including autism and various learning disabilities, while five student participants also identified with disabilities including cerebral palsy, partial blindness and intellectual disabilities.
The partnership between NPNG and Special Olympics PNG is today solidified in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, aligning with the United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Training and competition, public awareness and engagement, resource development and administration were the top priorities highlighted in the memorandum.
President of Netball PNG Ulato Avei said since partnering with Special Olympics PNG, new avenues for netball inclusion have been unlocked.
“This is clearly helping us implement one of our strategic objectives covering inclusiveness and is a reflection of Netball PNG’s commitment to expanding opportunities to all interested parties, including people with disability,” Avei said.
“The program delivered by trained coaches helps develop confidence in participants, enhancing their self-worth and perception. In doing so, it promotes positive attitudes towards women, youths, and people with disabilities.”
Additionally, WaterAid PNG will sign a Memorandum of Understanding today with NPNG.
Navara Kiene, Programs Director at WaterAid PNG, said the agreement takes an inclusive approach of collaborating with partners such as the Special Olympics PNG to engage people with disability.
“This partnership sees the Hamamas lo Pilai and ‘Come and Play’ training packages for schools take ownership as flagship training programs for Netball PNG to continue to improve hygiene, health, and, most importantly, self-confidence and wellbeing for young girls around the country.
“WaterAid has enjoyed providing technical support to Netball PNG for this work, and this Memorandum of Understanding signifies our continued commitment to this partnership and other relevant areas of collaboration.”
