Quick Rip rugby winners encouraged by NZ HIgh Commissioner [1]
Friday, April 6, 2018 - 18:42
Certificates of Achievement and cash prizes were awarded to winners of an Easter Quick Rip Rugby Lightning Tournament, by the New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga HE Tiffany Babington.
The tournament was held in Fua'amotu where over 16 teams competed in 5-a-side, five minute games in a lightning fast round-robin tournament. The community teams included Malolo Swim Club and Seleka International Art Society Initiative, in the open Mens, Womens and Mixed Under 12’s divisions.
The High Commissioner said she was happy to support this event because children learn important skills such as leadership and working together as a team.
"It's absolutely about healthy lifestyles, non-communicable diseases and it's good for your mental health to be doing sport," she said.
"There were also mixed teams and I encourage the girls to get out there because they are just as good as the boys."
Benhur Kivalu of Tonga Rugby Union hoped Quick Rip will help develop Tongan kids for the Sevens in the future.
Meanwhile, ‘Olikoni Ta'ai, Pacific Coordinator for Quick Rip said they plan to hold local tournaments every two-months starting in May to December.
This tournament was also a key event in an East Coast Easter Festival, a Scenic Hotel project held to raise funds for Cyclone Relief projects, local schools and youth initiatives which included easter egg hunts, raffle draws, among others.
In February this year, New Zealand launched a five-year Quick Rip rugby program to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage Pacific children to be active and to get involved in sports and reduce the rate of NCDs.