Spence: Former Origin Greats to benefit Cape York communities

Sport Minister Judy Spence today announced two projects to benefit Cape York indigenous communities including sending former origin greats (FOGS) to the Cape to encourage exercise and healthy eating.

Ms Spence said: “I have approved $150,000 for the FOGS project and a separate $150,000 for the Queensland Rugby League to promote rugby league in the Cape and Torres Strait.

“FOGS is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1997, whose membership comprises 160 Queensland State of Origin rugby league players.

“Under our agreement, former and current origin stars will visit up to four communities several times throughout 2008.

“Programs delivered during these visits will be conducted from one to three days.

“The program will specifically target children and young people and will encourage them to eat well and be active.

“We are also hoping the origin stars can promote other positive messages to increase school attendance, increase community participation in sport and promote respect for elders.

“Many Cape York communities have a strong rugby league following so the FOGS will be inspirational to children on the Cape.

“You can’t play origin football without putting in the hard yards and making sure you follow a healthy diet ... and that is the message these heroes will be spreading.

“The FOGS are already working with indigenous communities. They are involved with after school sports programs being delivered on Mornington Island and Hopevale.

“Players who have visited Mornington Island and Hopevale include Allan Langer, Gene Miles, Arthur Beetson, Sam Backo, Sam Thaiday, Gordon Tallis, Kevin Walters, Andrew Gee, Tony Carroll, Corey Parker

“The $150,000 in funding to the Queensland Rugby League will compliment the FOGS activities

“It will help the QRL deliver participation programs across Cape York and the Torres Strait.

“It’s not easy to kick start sporting competitions in these areas. Previously, people have flown in for brief periods to try to get the ball rolling without much success.

“This new initiative will assist the QRL in becoming more accessible to Cape York and Torres Strait communities, thereby building up trust and developing relationships at the local level.

“The aim will be to get more juniors playing rugby league, to give these kids competitions to play in, and to give them the chance of playing representative rugby.

“And having the former origin greats on board will surely help to motivate these communities.

“Meantime, we are also in talks with NRL clubs who have made approaches to be involved in promoting rugby league in the Cape,” Ms Spence said.

Ms Spence acknowledged the tireless efforts of the lady who is known in Cairns as Mrs Rugby League – Pat Bailey.

“We may be providing funding but without the hard work of volunteers like Pat Bailey these sorts of endeavors, like promoting rugby league in the Cape, could not be achieved,” Ms Spence said.

Media contact: 3239 6218