Agility, evasion, kicking, basic catch and pass skills were taught to children during the National Rugby League (NRL) Fiji School Holiday Clinic from August 28 to September 3.
The free clinic was a success with many turning up for the one week training. Starting their clinic at Ucunivanua in Verata, Tailevu the NRL team travelled to Suva to give insight on the game of rugby league.
Not only were the children taught rugby league skills, they were also educated on gender-based violence through a classroom session.
NRL in-country manager, Ema Levaci said the clinics had been running since 2015.
“For us it’s just about getting the children out and keeping them active, especially during the school holiday so that we avoid getting them stuck at home,” she said.
“They even came out with their families.
“Something we have been mentioning throughout the years is we want to make sure that everyone is included and no one is left behind.”
She said they had switched their program a little this year.
“We included not only children, but also the youths. We invited parents and guardians who came along and supported the clinic.
“We have seen that they (parents and guardians) have been standing on the sideline watching during the sessions.”
She said they had a surprise for the children where they were given a little bit of education on gender-based violence — a program that the NRL had been leading for the past four to five years.
She said the clinic was open to anyone and they had put out invitations through their social media pages and mainstream media.
“We have had great numbers starting from the village and coming to Suva,” she said.
She said in the second week of the school break, the NRL team assisted with the boys and girls rugby league academy.
She added that the children also learned some key values such as respect, inclusiveness, courage and being kind during the one week clinic.
