Young rugby players tackling family violence
22 July 2009
There are all kinds of stories about what goes on during rugby trips away from home but for the Poverty Bay Rugby Union's under 14 team, their first away outing was an opportunity to learn why their club is supporting the It's not Ok campaign.
The boys wore their It's not OK T shirts during their six hour bus trip to a quadrangular tournament in Taupo, 16 July, and Club Chief Executive Neil Alton spoke to them about the Campaign and how the club is working with local organisations in the Gisborne area to help prevent all forms of violence. The boys received a copy of a mini booklet providing information about role models within their club who are speaking out against family violence and some contact numbers of organisations that can provide help.
On the coach they also watched a DVD produced by the Tairawhiti Men Against Violence (TMAV) and Neil says they responded well.
It was good news on the field also with the team recording one win and one loss. By all accounts the boys behaved well and learned a lot from the experience.
