Sport
29 May, 2022
Npa Team Kicking Goals At Streetsmart
ON Thursday, 16 talented students from the Northern Peninsula Area State College team landed in Cairns, ready to participate in the StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup on Friday.
A team of two girls and 14 boys who are strong and proud students from the Northern Peninsula Area State College Team (NPAT) will, for the first time, be a part of the StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup to be held at Watson’s Oval, thanks to a newly forged partnership.
General Manager at AFL Cape York House Rick Hanlon said this was one of a kind opportunity for the team.
“What makes it unique is that it’s the first time we’ve been able to invite a group from the remote communities to come down and participate in this event,” Mr Hanlon said.
The incredible opportunity has been a success thanks to the General Manager of Hinterland Aviation, Andrew Clair chartering a plane for all the young players to come down and compete.
“We’ve been operating in the remote communities for over 20 years, and we’ve never been able to achieve this outcome which has been made possible by a partnership with AFL Cape York Ltd and Hinterland Aviation,” Mr Hanlon said.
“The NPA Team will be participating against another ten Cairns-based schools, and they will be the only remote representative team coming down for the Carnival.”
Removing the remoteness through the event, the students will experience what it’s like to compete in a school football competition.
Hopefully, a generation of new leaders will be inspired through sport and education by the experience.
Development Coordinator AFL Cape York, based in Bamaga, Kieran Sciberras, said the team was thrilled to be participating.
“We handed out their travel shirts, which we got specially made for the occasion,” Mr Sciberras said.
“The students got so excited and were in high spirits they were trying the shirts on. So, I can only imagine the trip will be even more exciting.
“When I’ve been chatting to the kids, I think the biggest impact will be getting their own football jersey and actually being able to play on a full AFL field covered in grass for the first time will stand out for them,” he said.
The action began on Thursday afternoon with no time wasted as the energetic team headed straight into a training session, followed by a welcome dinner at the AFL Cape York House.
Friday is the big competition day, and the students will be doing a dance created specifically to honour their culture.
“Our students will be doing a special ‘War Cry’, a special cultural dance developed to be showcased at the opening ceremony,” Mr Hanlon said.
