Picture: Participants with their certificates after successfully completing the training
One way to foster a stronger, happier and healthy community is through sports.
The Nupmo Women and Children’s Association, Nima Ara Women and Children’s Association and Tututwe Ara Women and Children’s Association co-funded a weeklong coaching and refereeing training for youths on May 23rd to 28that Awin Tamaro.
The training gave 40 participants skills in soccer and volleyball coaching and refereeing, to give them better understanding of the current rules in both sporting codes.
Manager for PETA Sports Management and soccer facilitator, Percy Mataio arrived in Ningerum from Port Moresby accompanied by Nuga Dick, volleyball coach and trainer on May 22nd for the training. Mr. Mataio is a certified national soccer coach with a B license, the second highest recognized level given by the world soccer body FIFA.
His views on sports gave prominence to social challenges affecting the vulnerable community members especially women, youths and children. Involvement in community sports enhancement programs enabled participants to address social challenges and promote safe communities.
The participants were encouraged to impart their skills to respective youths in their own villages when participating in sporting activities.
“Knowledge and skills you’ve gained during the training is for you to go and impart in your communities because we want to see peaceful communities. Through sports, you can provide unity for all,’’ said facilitator Percy Mataio.
Funding constraints had been the major hindrance to cater for youths in community development within the CMCA villages in Western Province.
Manager for Program Services and Sustainable Development (PSSD) Andrew Mari, encouraged the youths to be agents of change in their communities.