The two-day course was conducted by Michelle Paiti, the Just Play project manager for CIFA, at Enuamanu School and was attended by teachers and other community leaders, who participated in both theory and practical sessions.
The second day saw over 70 children join in to assist the participants as they looked to put into practice what they had learned during the course. The children enjoyed the activities so much that it was only the fall of darkness that prevented them from continuing the fun until long into the night.
If the children’s enthusiasm is anything to go by, the newly-trained facilitators are likely to be kept busy over the coming weeks as Atiu looks to follow the fellow Cook Islands regions of Aitutaki and Rarotonga in successfully delivering the programme.
Developed by the OFC social responsibility and technical departments, Just Play is designed for children aged six to 12 and promotes physical activity while encouraging community involvement and healthy living.
It was first launched in Tonga and has since been introduced in Vanuatu, Tahiti, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Auckland, New Zealand.
OFC is working closely with UEFA and the Government of Australia – through its agencies the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) – and Football Federation Australia (FFA) to roll out the programme across the Pacific over a three-year period between 2009 and 2012.
OFC also works closely with the member association, department of education and local community leaders wherever possible.
Just Play certificates and equipment bags are handed out at the at the end of each course. The programme is led by OFC Head of Social Responsibility Franck Castillo and Technical Coordinator Emmie Sope.
The confederation has also been working in New Zealand with Special Olympics (NZ) on a Just Play programme for people with mental disabilities and has launched the new initiative in Samoa and Fiji.
For more on Cook Islands football go to www.cookislandsfootball.com

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