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“Rugby
in the Park” Dubbo kicked off in the school
holidays with visit by student coaches from
Airds High School in Sydney
A group
of 10 young high school students from Airds,
a housing estate in the Campbelltown area of
South-Western Sydney, visited Dubbo during
the July 2006 school holidays to help introduce
“Rugby in the Park” to children in East and
West Dubbo, as part of the school holiday
program co-ordinated by NSW Department of
Sport and Recreation.
“Rugby in the Park” is based on engaging
youth who are disadvantaged or at-risk
through rugby. Based at school ovals and
community parks, it provides a structured
but fun after-school program which is
designed to build self-esteem and teach
important values and life skills. “Rugby in
the Park” is a free program which is held
weekly in each location, all equipment is
provided and participants receive fruit and
a free sausage sizzle each session.
The
visiting Airds students have been part of
the pilot program which commenced in the
Campbelltown region late last year. They
demonstrated the skills they have developed
in coaching and mentoring primary school
students over the past few months, and
developed links with Dubbo youths who will
be trained as coach/ mentors for “Rugby in
the Park” in Dubbo commencing during Term 3.
“Rugby in the Park”
provides a setting in which all children and
their families can find a place, while all
skill levels, both and off the sporting
fields, can be nurtured through the
program's progression, in spite of obstacles
they may face.
The trip to Dubbo was the
first time the Airds students have visited
country NSW and was part of the “Rugby in
the Park” rewards and recognition program
for participants who show commitment to the
program. The visit was also an opportunity
to develop ongoing links, and explore
possibilities for an exchange program with
Dubbo participants. Highlights of their
trip were a visit to Western Plains Zoo, an
indigenous dance performance by children
from the school holiday program at the PCYC,
and meeting children at “Rugby in the Park”
sessions.
The program will become a
regular weekly activity at the estates in
both East and West Dubbo over the coming
weeks. The First Youth Coach/Mentors
have been trained. Watch this
space for news of days and times.
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