And it was a fun-filled day for five of the ten DOE elementary schools involved in the Just Play Programme for the current school year.
“For three hours it was great fun for all the kids and especially for the Aunu’u School children and some of the parents because it was their first time here at the field,” explained DOE PE Specialist Valusia Talataina.
Afonotele, A.P. Lutali elementary (Aunu’i), Aua, Matafao and Matatula were the five schools involved, receiving encouragement and support from the upper levels of the DOE.
“Just Play might not be only for you to just play, but to actually spend time outdoors,” pointed out Netini Sene, assistant director for the Office of Cirriculum and Instruction.
DOE Director Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau also stopped by and praised the programme according to FFAS CEO Tavita Taumua.
“She was very thankful to witness the programme at our field and said that it was in line with one of Governor Lolo M. Moliga’s wishes of promoting healthy living for the young children,” Taumua said. “It was great to hear that especially since our partnership with the DOE is one that we are very proud to have and hope to continue for a very long time.”
Fuaese Fano, acting director for the DOE elementary division and principal of Manulele, added that the JPP “is a very perfect programme for you, children to use it for the betterment of your health especially as you grow older”.
The schools’ Just Play Programme instructors, DOE PE Coordinator Clayton Mahuka and Talataina worked together with FFAS staff and junior licenced coaches in organising the festival.
“The festival was to showcase what they’ve been doing in the schools since it first started at the beginning of the school year,” explained FFAS technical director Ruben Luvu.
The other five schools involved in the Just Play — Coleman, Le’atele, Lupelele, Pava’ia’i and Tafuna elementary — will have their day on Feb. 7, 2014.
“Hopefully, before the end of the school year, we’re looking at around April or May, we’ll combine all 10 schools for a single festival and games to close out the program,” Talataina said.
All the organizers agreed that JPP is one program DOE is using to help in the fight against childhood obesity.
“This is the beginning of a long fight against obesity for the school children,” Sene said.
“Stay fit so that you can carry out any dreams that you have for your future.”
FFAS provided lunch for all the participants before they returned to their respective schools.
“Thank you for supporting our sport, soccer, and especially in the area of looking out for your health because if you are unhealthy it will be hard to do well in school and also in your lives as you grow up,” said Mavaega-Luvu.