The ‘Come and Play’ program is a collaboration between Netball PNG, Netball Australia and WaterAid PNG that aims to create a supportive environment for young people to learn, share, and develop life skills through sport.
‘Come and Play’ is a shorter version of the longer program Hamamas Lo Pilai (HLP) and are delivered through the One Netball PNG program.
One Netball PNG is part of the Australian Government’s sport for development Team Up program and aims to improve physical health and social inclusion through netball.
HLP seeks to engage adolescent girls and boys between the ages of 10 to 16 on topics related to self-confidence, communication, leadership, and hygiene. This learning is integrated with netball and play-based life skills activities.
President of Netball PNG Ulato Avei welcomed the Special Olympics partnership and believes the relationship will unlock new avenues for netball inclusion and participation retention.
“Netball PNG is particularly excited about this new milestone involving students of disability under the careful guidance of Special Olympics PNG,” Avei said.
“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 added there are 20 students with varying disability who have been selected to take part in the ‘Come and Play’ activities.
These students are from integrated schools and other institutions such as Cheshire Disability Services PNG.
“These students are doing programs with the three coaches from Special Olympics - Willie Vaira, Pauline Siosi and Sebastian Siosi,” Avei said.
“We are grateful for the assistance accorded by Special Olympics’ staff, and together with our partners we want to say thank you for making this possible.” said Avei.
Avei finished by acknowledging the success to have come out of HLP and ‘Come and Play’ activities and expressed her commitment to continuing Netball PNG’s efforts in the space.
“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 disability.”
