There has been some moving and shaking in Papua New Guinea over the last week with Inclusive GymBad taking Shuttle Time further into the provinces.
Badminton is growing in Papua New Guinea with more opportunities for people to become involved. Through an expansion of the Inclusive GymBad program, Joyce Koiari (Inclusive GymBad Monitoring & Evaluation Officer), Laurel Vagi (Inclusive GymBad PNG Manager), & Paul Morea (Shuttle Time/Gym-Ability Tutor) accompanied by Milton Kisapai (Team Up PNG Sports Partnerships Specialist) travelled to a new location last week- Goroka, Eastern highlands Province.
The group’s goal was to deliver a three-day Inclusive GymBad workforce development programme including a Shuttle Time Teachers Course, Gym-Ability Course, and practical delivery into local schools. This is the first time that Inclusive GymBad has been delivered outside of the wider Port Moresby region; a great sign of growth for the programme.
This first out of Province GymBad delivery was held at the Melanesian Institute, Goroka. There was a total of 10 participants, five males and five females. Papua New Guinea Sports Partnership Specialist from Team Up, Milton Kisapai, highlighted the importance of understanding sports for development as well as other relevant sharing about Team Up in his presentation to the group. It was a privilege having him present at this training session.
Coach Paul Morea delivered the theory and practical lessons of Shuttle Time and Program Manager Laurel Vagi showcased key focus areas and the partners of the GymBad Program. The enthusiasm and energy displayed by these pioneer GymBad participants was exciting with all ten smashing their session plan presentation and activity delivery. Inclusive Gymbad Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Joyce Koiari concluded the training with a brief presentation on reporting, data collection and safeguarding. Her key emphasis was on delivering a safe, fun, and inclusive GymBad activity. “It is interesting to know that some of these new Shuttle Time Teachers have experience working with people with disabilities which will add value to our Program once established in Goroka”.
On the final day the team collaborated with NRL in PNG – League Bilong Laif, one of the Team Up program partners delivering in Goroka. Ten students with disabilities joined in the fun and for the first time had a go with badminton equipment. It was a joy to see the excitement and smiles their faces. New Shuttle Time Teacher, Josephine Gabriel reflects on the possibilities for the future, stating “ I’ve only been teaching students with disabilities in class but now with the Inclusive GymBad Training, I am able to help my students take part in sports as well. The word Inclusive is a big pull factor for me”.
The woman behind the initiative of bringing Shuttle Time to Garoka is Rutha Omenefa. Trying to offer her community more opportunities for people with disabilities, Rutha speaks of what the programme and educational opportunities mean for her province. “Being involved in Sports for Development for over eight years, I see that sports have had an impact on a lot of children, women and people living with disabilities. Goroka is a small town with a growing population. There aren’t many ways to create access to support for people with disabilities and young people in our community. I also wanted young people in sport to have an opportunity to become badminton coaches and try a new sport. Rugby League is a dominant sport in Goroka and introducing this new sport to my people will also create opportunities for future badminton athletes in Goroka”.
The newly trained Shuttle Time teachers will be delivering a six week Shuttle Time programme to participants within their schools and communities. Badminton Papua New Guinea look forward to the growth of the Inclusive GymBad programme, and badminton in Goroka.
To view the captivating visual media related to this programme, visit the Inclusive GymBad Facebook page.
