Rugby in Pacific Islander communities Embracing 2018

The Queensland Government in partnership with the Queensland Rugby Union will be working with Pacific Islander communities to increase community capacity and improve the sustainability of local sport as part of Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games legacy initiative.

Minister for Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said Queensland Rugby Union was to be congratulated for recognising the opportunity Embracing 2018 Commonwealth Games legacy programs’ offer in the promotion of community cohesion and pride.

“I’m thrilled with the Queensland Rugby Union’s plans to take Rugby into South-East Queensland Pacific Islander communities as a way to build meaningful and more cohesive relationships, provide training and support, and build community capacity,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The project will capitalise on the success of similar Queensland Rugby Union programs run with indigenous communities that aim to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, and in particular provide a better future for Indigenous children.

“Rugby Sevens is part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games program.  It is exciting to see a major sports organisation focusing on the significant legacy opportunities that the Commonwealth Games brings.”  

Queensland Rugby Chief Operating Officer, David Hanham, said Queensland Rugby Union will pilot the Pacific Islander Community Engagement Project in the Logan region over the next 12 months.

“Rugby is an international game and Pacific Islanders are important members of the Rugby community in Queensland, who participate in and support Rugby at all levels,” Mr Hanham said.

“Queensland Rugby looks forward to the Commonwealth Games coming to the Gold Coast in 2018 and to formally supporting the event through the Embracing 2018 program which will build capacity in this region and grow the numbers of Pacific Islanders participating in Rugby.”

Mr Hanham said the Pacific Islander Community Engagement Project is part of Queensland Rugby Union’s multicultural program providing pathways for culturally diverse communities in Queensland.

“With the expertise of our world-class Rugby players and administrators, we will deliver this program, which aligns with our Future Generation Strategy, and the desire to ensure a successful and sustainable Rugby code in Queensland, for all Queenslanders.”

For more information www.embracing2018.com

[ENDS] 13 May 2014  
     
Media Contacts: Minister’s Office - 3719 7240
Queensland Rugby Union: Tom Kennedy 0417 702 278