The programme will be launched today at the PNG Education Institute in Port Moresby and will feature the participation of more than 200 children, who will demonstrate their skills to invited guests.
The launch follows the hosting of a training workshop on Wednesday and Thursday at Sir John Guise Stadium, during which 20 volunteer teachers were taken through the key messages of the programme.
The workshop was presided over by Chambaron, who is in the country to help Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) Just Play manager Taku Niebo as he looks to get the programme running across the National Capital District (NCD).
Ten primary schools in the district have been selected by the NCD Education Department to take part in the pilot phase – namely Ted Diro, Taurama, Wardstrip, Gerehu, Evedahana, St Theresa, Badili, Waigani, Hohola Demonstration, Coronation and Hagara. Just Play will be introduced to other provinces following the completion of the pilot phase in NCD.
Just Play is a unique FIFA-approved grassroots programme which promotes physical activity for primary-aged children while encouraging community involvement and healthy living.
Developed by the OFC social responsibility and technical departments, Just Play was launched in Vanuatu last April and has since been introduced in Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands and South Auckland in New Zealand.
Fiji is next on the agenda while OFC is also currently working in New Zealand with Special Olympics (NZ) on a Just Play programme for people with mental disabilities.
OFC is working closely with UEFA, the Government of Australia – through its agencies the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) – and Football Federation Australia (FFA) to roll out the programme across the Pacific. The Australian Government has shown its support to the project by contributing AU$4million.
In South Auckland, Just Play is supported by OFC’s partnership with the Sir John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation, Counties Manukau Sport and Auckland Football Federation.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg