The National Rugby League (NRL) in conjunction with the Australian Defence Force is proud to celebrate the growth of rugby league programs in Fiji, where staff recently returned from helping deliver programs to assist with the need for more skilled coaches, referees and sports trainers within the rugby league community.
During November, the NRL and the Fiji National Rugby League teams were busy conducting education and accreditation programs for over 100 volunteers in Suva.
At the end of the week the participants successfully gained accreditations in refereeing, coaching, first-aid and sports training.
NRL Community Manager Alan Tongue also presented the NRL’s Voice Against Violence and State of Mind workshops to the participants.
This is the first time a State of Mind workshop has been delivered to the Pacific. Its great success will continue into the new year to ensure these workshops can continue to be delivered in the months and years to come.
NRL Pacific Program Manager Michael Asensio said the NRL was delighted to partner with the Australian Defence Force to use the power of sport to bring people together. The NRL has a strong partnership with the ADF with this the sixth capacity workshop that the two organisations have worked together on across the Pacific.
To cap the week off a rugby league gala day was conducted at Bedsi Oval, Suva. This allowed the participants to put their new skills into practice while being assessed by some of rugby league's best instructors including Tony Archer (referees), Ross Antoniolli (coaches) and Simon Morris (sports trainers).
“Vinaka Vakalevu to the Australian Defence Force and NRL for providing the support to ensure these essential capacity building activities could happen," said Fiji National Rugby League CEO, Don Natabe. "As well as ensuring that all participants transport and accommodation costs were covered the ADF also gifted much needed rugby league resources to community clubs."
To learn more about the NRL's community programs, click here.
