It all began with a vision to engage, involve and increase participation of the children in sports and the bible activities. After several months of observation of how young children are left aimless and disengaged after school, Johnson decided to gather kids in and around the Whiteriver Tikopian Settlement and involve them in sports.
That decision saw the increase interest of children in the program and more than sixty children of different age group ranging from six to twenty were registered.
The aim of the program is to allow children to develop their skills in sporting activities, uniting them as children living in one community and learn about Christ through sports.
Discipline forms a fundamental part of the program which ensures participants refrain from bad habits such as swearing and bullying.
During each session, the program began and close with a prayer and participants have a scheduled opportunity, taking turns in offering prayers. For some of the participants it was their first time to pray and the execution of the program presents the opportunity for the kids to pray confidently and I thank God for the outcome.
There are different types of sports introduced to the children. These ranges from fun games, futsal, volley, soccer and AFL. However there is no camera and thus no photos of other games to display and thanks to Simon and David for the AFL training photos.
With the increase in the number of participants and the need to deliver the appropriate sports activities for the suitable age group, challenges also began to emerge.
These ranges from the need for a proper play ground, proper sports equipment and volunteers to assist in coordinating the children on a volunteer basis. Apart from the sports program there is also a weekly family fellowship program involving families of the participants coming together in fellowship and prayer.
Acknowledgment has been to the AFL Development Officers Simon and David Holo for their commitment in teaching AFL skills to the participants every Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Organisers also would like to thank Mr Manuiki family for donation of two soccer balls and permitting their front yard to used as playground. Thanks to mummy Mea for her continuous encouragement and support for the program.
Parents and guidance of children involved in the program highly praised the initiative and render their support in various forms.
The organisers would like to thank the participants’ parents and guidance for their support in building up our community.
They also appeal to other communities to provide such opportunities and look after children as they are our future leaders.
