The Pacific in Union (PiU) program is part of Pacific Sports Partnerships, an Australian Government initiative which uses sport as a vehicle to achieve social development outcomes in Pacific Island countries.
The PiU program specifically aims to:
- Contribute to social development outcomes
- Increase participation in rugby union
- Develop the capacity of national Rugby Unions
The PiU program also aims to assist in the achievement of targeted
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); and the rugby values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect underpin all areas of the program.
The PiU program was launched in 2012 in three countries - Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands. Local staff is employed as In Country Managers and Rugby Development Officers to deliver the program and are supported by their national Unions -
PNGRFU,
SRU and
SIRUF respectively.
The program has been developed by education, development and Rugby experts from Australia and the Pacific region.
PACIFIC IN UNION SUMMARY
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Program objectives
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Program components
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Contribute to social development outcomes
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- Combating non-communicable diseases by focusing on the promotion of healthy lifestyle messages (good nutrition, physical activity, avoiding alcohol and tobacco) at Rugby festivals and competitions and through classroom lesson activities.
- Promoting gender equality by providing opportunities for girls and women to get involved in all aspects of program including teacher professional development, Rugby activities in the classroom and on the field, Rugby playing competitions and talent development programs.
- Improving the lives of people with a disability by providing opportunities for them to get involved in a playing and/or non-playing role in rugby sessions, and Rugby festivals and competitions.
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Increase participation in rugby union
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- Rugby4Schools program for Primary and Secondary school including Rugby-themed classroom resources, field lesson plans and organised intra-school and inter-school competitions including festivals and ongoing events.
- Rugby4Communities program including training for community leaders in coaching, refereeing and event management so that they can establish a regular rugby playing competition.
- Rugby4Coaches,Referees & Managers program including the delivery of iRB coaching and refereeing courses (including iRB Rugby Ready) to interested community members e.g. teachers, pre-service teachers, parents etc.
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Develop the capacity of the National Rugby Union
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- Providing professional development for PiU staff including accreditation as iRB trainers/educators.
- Supporting national Union development programs.
- Supporting talented coaches, referees and managers to improve skills through professional development so they can ‘give back’ to their national unions and communities.
- Forging partnerships and collaborating with national Unions, other sports, ASOP in country programs, government organisations and non-government organisations to strengthen Rugby activities at the grassroots level.
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