Disability no barrier for Buna Dolphin
One afternoon a week, you’ll find the Buna Dolphins in the local primary school field in Oro Province’s Northern Beaches. They are a team of 12-year-old girls and boys from Buna Primary School who are participating in the inaugural Kicks 4 Kokoda program.
Through the fun of soccer, the team learns about a range of topics, from sexual and reproductive health to gender stereotypes and respectful relationships; having a lot of fun along the way.
The Buna Dolphins Kicks 4 Kokoda soccer team
Rose is proud Buna Dolphin; a typical Grade 4 student who loves playing with her friends. Living with reduced function in the left side of her body, Rose wants to be on the same level as her peers.
Throughout the program, Rose has been particularly interested in doing the Buna Dolphins’ own ‘KILO’, a short, fun celebration to praise an individual or group; think claps, cheers and shouts led by a coach or team members. She’s also highlighted that she has learned more about her reproductive health, critical knowledge for any adolescent.
“This program is really helping me to be in the same level as my friends.”
This statement from Rose captures exactly what the Kicks 4 Kokoda program is all about for young people living with disability; improving the self-esteem and confidence of individuals. Her participation is also helping change the perception if disability in the community, which is often considered something to be downplayed, or even hidden. As a Buna Dolphin, Rose is modelling the way to encourage participation by others living with disability.
“I know and believe that my future is bright.”
With the inaugural program wrapping up, we’re looking forward to the first Kicks 4 Kokoda tournament early in the new year, where PNG Olympic Committee hero para-athletes will inspire Rose and other young people to living with disability to participate in sport. We cannot wait!
For more on the Kicks 4 Kokoda project, click here.
Kicks 4 Kokoda is a Team Up partnership, one of many across Asia-Pacific that use sport to bring people together, champion inclusion and create opportunities.
Transforming lives through sport
Team Up is supported by the Australian Government.